Susan Elizabeth Tong

Susan Elizabeth Tong, age 71, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Susan was born on September 3, 1954, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois, to John and Marie (Rockinger) Nash. She was raised in Clifton, Illinois, where the roots of her caring and compassionate nature were first formed.

A loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Susan’s heart was always centered on those she loved most. She treasured time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories filled with laughter, warmth, and genuine connection. Her gentle presence and thoughtful care made others feel deeply valued.

Susan lived life with both compassion and a spirit of adventure. She adored her dogs and embraced life’s thrills, including her love of skydiving—an expression of her courage and zest for living. She was deeply committed to education, earning her undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University. For 15 years, Susan served as a Special Education teacher, touching countless lives with her patience, kindness, and dedication. She later continued her passion for helping students by working as a substitute teacher throughout the greater Chicago school district area.

Susan is survived by her son, Andrew Tong; her daughter, Allison Emery; her two beloved grandchildren, Curtis and Elyse; and her sister, Louise Nash. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie (Rockinger) Nash.

Susan will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished.

There are no services planned at this time.