Obituaries

Suzanne Dahms

October 19, 1942 - May 08, 2024

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Obituary For Suzanne Dahms

Suzanne Farooq Dahms, age 81, of Verona, WI, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Agrace Hospice. She had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in April. During her time in hospice, Sue met with family, prayed with friends, and shared her positive attitude of life with everyone that she met.

Sue was born on October 19, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Edward and Janet Clifford. Her mother died when Sue was 15.

Sue was one of the remaining survivors of the polio epidemic of the 1950’s. She was stricken with polio at age 16 and hospitalized in an iron lung. A near death experience, when the machine was accidentally unplugged, influenced her beliefs in life after death, and informed her devout Christianity.

Polio had a lasting effect on her body, having to undergo multiple hip and knee surgeries, and having a metal rod placed in her backbone at age 50 to keep her spine straight. As a friend from church said, “Despite all her sufferings, Sue was a joyful person.”

In the early 1960s, Sue met her future husband Dr. Masaud Farooq, with whom she would have 3 children: Michael, Yasmin, and James. The family moved from Minneapolis to Waupun Wisconsin, where they resided from 1971 to 1987, and where Dr. Farooq worked at Waupun Hospital.

Between 1976 and 1982 Sue took psychology classes at UW Fond du Lac and UW Oshkosh, earning a Master's Degree in Counseling in 1982.

Sue's first husband, Dr. Farooq, passed away in 1982. In 1986 Sue met Leonard "Bud" Dahms. They married in 1992, living in Verona until his passing in 2007.

Sue was a University Services Associate at the University of Wisconsin Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering departments from 1987 until her retirement in 2009.

In Verona, Sue was actively involved at Saint Christopher Catholic Parish, volunteering, lectoring, and leading rosary. She also was a local servant leader with the Widows of Prayer, and with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

During her stay in hospice, Sue's friends commented how positive she was in her last days. Sue expressed how important it is that we appreciate each day, and that we live a life in which we help others.

Sue is survived by her children and their spouses: Michael (Bertha De La Torre) Farooq, Yasmin (Roger Waterman) Farooq, James Farooq, Cele (Jerry) Blackburn, Chris (Eddie) Collum, Marie (Richard) Jaggi, and by grandchildren Marisa Farooq, Vanesa Farooq, Lisa Collum, Jessica Blackburn, JayLynn Blackburn, James Christenson, Jason Christenson, Jonathan Christenson and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 N. Main Street, Verona. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., followed by a rosary, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona, and again on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Interment at Saint Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Services

5 Jun

Visitation

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes – Verona 220 S. Enterprise Drive Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
6 Jun

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Andrew Catholic Church 301 N. Main St. Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
6 Jun

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Andrew Catholic Church 301 N. Main St. Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 18, 2024

    Sue and I had several meaningful conversations in La Crosse where we gathered as affiliates with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. We also connected because my parents both were members of Saint Andrew;s after moving to Verona and found there a welcoming community with whom to pray. Thank you, Suzanne, for your faith and example and may your family know the peace of God's love and yours as well. Vicki Lopez-Kaley, La Crosse

  • June 06, 2024

    We send our deepest condolences to Sue's family. She was a lovely lady. We are thinking of you all. - Verona Senior Center staff

  • June 05, 2024

    Sue and I enjoyed working together at ECE. She was an invaluable assistant and became a personal friend. We kept in touch after retiring and enjoyed several luncheons sharing our stories. She will be missed by me and all who knew her. Donna Lewis

  • June 04, 2024

    I would like to thank her family for the beautiful pictures video shared on here. I got to experience a small glimpse into her life that I didn't know anything about. She was both beautiful young, and beautiful in her senior years. But most importantly - she was beautiful inside. She had an unwavering faith in the Lord that was always present in her. Whenever I think of Sue, that is something about her that is ingrained in my memory. Her Love and Faith in the Lord. I fall short of that faith, but she is an example of that to all who knew her. My condolences to her family and close friends, and I send up my Love to her in the heavens.

  • June 04, 2024

    I remember Sue fondly as a coworker in the Department of Chemical Engineering. She had always a smile on her face and was ready to help. My deepest condolences to her family.

  • June 03, 2024

    Suzanne took on the role of of being my Wisco Mom, and I have always been grateful for her doing so. Mike, Yas and Crime, I am keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing when you're ready.

  • May 31, 2024

    Sue was a very pleasant, positive lady. Never giving up no matter the pain. I always enjoyed talking with her at the grocery store, senior center, or wherever we met. She will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathy to u all.

  • May 31, 2024

    I made a late confirmation in my 40'ies at Saint Christopher's in Verona. Bridget Yallaly matched Sue up with me to be my sponsor. I had never met her before then. Initially we weren't connecting with each other, but through time we eventually got a much better understanding of who the other was, and we gained trust and respect for one other. Even after moving a few years later to Northern Illinois, we still kept in touch. I had hope to see her just prior to the pandemic, and then it came, (and it lasted for three years,) and afterwards I was dealing with some stressors on my end, and I just didn't make it to Verona to see her. But I will never forget her. She had an unwavering faith and love for Lord. She was a true 21st Century Disciple of Christ. I know she is in Heaven, she is home with the Lord. I Love You Sue, I learned a lot from you. Even though my religious path took me somewhere else, your example still shines on within me. Debra Yates

  • May 31, 2024

    Cele, Chris, Marie and families. I am so sorry for your loss. I used to see Sue often at the Truck Stop restaurant and would visit with her. She is in a pain free place now. Thinking of all of you. Pam Hosler

Tributes

  • Sweet Moments

    Sweet Moments was sent for Suzanne Dahms - June 02, 2024

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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