Suzanne Marie Leavitt (Bandholz)
June 30, 1940 – January 27, 2021
Age 80, of Shoreview Passed away January 27, 2021, with her family by her side. Suzanne was born June 30, 1940, in St. Paul, MN, the daughter of Florence (Eschenbacher) Bandholz and the late John “Jack” Bandholz. Suzanne graduated from Humboldt High School in 1958 and received her nursing degree in 1989. She was a dedicated leader in drug-treatment nursing for 25 years. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Curtis Leavitt, and by five children and ten grandchildren. Her second eldest son, Rob, passed away in 2008. Suzanne was an accomplished figure skater, performing with Roseville’s Rose Collection adult precision skating team with her daughters and close friends until she was nearly 70. She was a beloved matriarch who was a central figure in her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ upbringings. She passed on her love of the outdoors, laughing and storytelling to all her children. Suzanne was also a frustrated Vikings fan, a constant learner and reader of novels, a wondrous cook and hostess, and immensely proud of her family. She leaves behind beautiful memories to all who knew her. As her health declined, she stayed positive and courageous, using humor to handle her illness. A Humanist celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests people donate blood, or give to Suzie’s causes: Planned Parenthood, Doctors Without Borders or Second Harvest Heartland. (Published in the Pioneer Press on January 31, 2021)