Sue M Paquette

Susan Mary Paquette, 73, of Vermillion SD, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls. Services will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Vermillion on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Visitation with the family present will begin at 9:30AM with A Rosary service at 10:00AM. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30AM. Sue was born to William and Mary Lou (DesLauriers) Motzko in St. Paul, MN in 1951. Sue graduated from Archbishop Brady High School in West St. Paul, MN. She met her future husband Greg in northern Minnesota while on vacation with her girl cousins and aunt.

Sue played many roles throughout her life, but her favorite role was providing a safe, fun, and loving home for her husband and children. Later, she found great joy being involved in all aspects of her grandchildren’s lives as well. Sue’s passion for putting together extravagant gatherings for friends and family was evident as she delighted in entertaining and feeding her loved ones.

 Another of her favorite roles was playing the “Wicked Witch of S. University” for trick-or-treaters; a role she started playing in 1980. The kids (and adults)not only loved hearing the spooky music and seeing the Halloween decorations, but also receiving the full-sized candy bars.

Other occupations she pursued were, Hy-Vee accounting coordinator, senior secretary at the University of South Dakota Medical School (BRIN), regional secretary for Hardees, newspaper reporter, radio personality, toy store co-owner (J.B. Goobah’s), and restaurant operator (Prairie).

Sue was integral in forming the Vermillion PTA in the 1980s. She also organized, recruited, directed, and sang in the St. Agnes choir for 35 years. She taught religious education, was on church circles, a cub scout leader, and den mother. Sue will be remembered for her warmth, love, and dedication to her family. Her legacy of laughter, love, and togetherness will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in peace.

She is survived by her loving husband, Greg Paquette, her daughter Julie Paquette (Eric), her sons Greg (Tina) Paquette and Edward (Jennifer) Paquette. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Madeline (Tarryn) Iwan, Joseph Wagner, Cheyenne Paquette, Isabella Paquette, and great-granddaughter, Willow; brothers Joseph (Judy) Motzko, Michael (Paula) Motzko, and her sisters Kathleen (Thomas) Bibus, Joan (Greg) Joswiak.

Preceding her in death was Sue’s brother William Motzko.