Susan "Suzy" Herden

Susan “Suzy” Aileen Herden (nee Duffey) age 71, passed away peacefully at her home in Crystal Lake, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 25, 1953, in Rockford, Illinois, Suzy was a vibrant soul who lived life with joy, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of style. She spent over 30 years in the restaurant service industry, where she touched countless lives with her warm smile and lively spirit. Her love for dancing, particularly with her beloved late husband, Tommy, was infectious, and wherever Suzy went, the party was sure to follow. She was known for her vivid fashion sense, her signature shoes, and a smile that could light up any room.

Outside of work, Suzy found peace and happiness in her yard, where she loved tending to her flowers and creating beautiful spaces for family and friends to enjoy. She lived her life with generosity, humor, and an open heart.

Suzy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Herden; her parents, Charles and Aileen (Arne) Duffey; and her brother, Brian Duffey.

She is survived by her daughters, Kelly Herden (Walter Buss) and Colleen Kiolbassa (Scott); her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Kiolbassa, Luke Kiolbassa, and Makenzie Buss; and her brothers, Greg (Elvira) Duffey, Scott (Monica) Duffey, and Dennis (Pamela) Duffey. Suzy’s life was also blessed by the love of her nieces and nephews: Lindsey (Benjamin) Bond, Nichole Duffey, Kristine (Reed) Erickson, Nelson (Sara) Gord, Nicholas (Marina) Gord, Neal Duffey, Brian Duffey, and Tim Duffey; and all her cousins and friends.

A "Celebration of Life" for Suzy will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. along with a Time of Sharing to begin at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon all at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one half mile east of Randall Rd.) Algonquin/Lake in the Hills.

Suzy’s family invites all who knew and loved her to join in honoring her memory, sharing stories, and celebrating the incredible light she brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Suzy's spirit by planting a flower in her memory or sharing a dance with someone you love.

Suzy’s laughter, kindness, and zest for life will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan "Suzy" Herden, please visit our floral store.