Susan Marie Sexton, 70, a lifetime resident of Lapeer, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born in Detroit December 14, 1955, to parents Robert and Marie Forster.
Mrs. Sexton graduated from Brighton High School, class of 1974. She then got her undergrad in speech pathology from Western Michigan University and then her master’s from Eastern Michigan University. Susan went on to be a speech pathologist for the Lapeer County School District, working for 34 years at schools in Almont, Dryden and North Branch. She became an author of speech pathology-related material, most notably her first book, “5 Minute Therapy,” which, in part, trained teachers to spend five minutes of one-on-one time with students each day instead of group sessions. The book was a success and turned into seven-part series, selling in all 50 states and other countries. Susan traveled across the country giving talks and webinars, leaving a lasting impression on the industry for generations to come.
For 45 years, Susan was also heavily involved in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She taught catechism, did at-home communion and other countless volunteering. She also loved spending time in Florida, Traverse City and on Mackinac Island. But most of all, she adored her grandchildren. She was probably reading books with them, but above all she just loved spending quality time with them.
Susan is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Ken Sexton, her two children: Robert (Alexandria) Sexton and Diane (Brandon) Sexton, both of Lapeer, as well has her grandchildren: Natalie, Elaine, Grace, Billie, Xander, Adalynn, Jack, Jameson and Khloe. Lastly, Susan is survived by her sister-in-law, Vara Stuligross and two nephews, Mark and Paul Stuligross. She is preceded in death by her aforementioned parents.
Susan’s visitation will be Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer. Funeral mass will be the following day, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 1 PM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton St., Davison, MI 48423. Her family will greet friends from Noon until mass begins. Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Cemetery will immediately follow mass. Memorial contributions are encouraged to the church. Memories and condolences may be left at MuirBrothersLapeer.com.