Suzanne M. Metsker-Rinaldo

On Friday, July 16, 2021 Suzanne “Sue” Metsker-Rinaldo, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 85. She was in the arms of her loved ones as she went to her eternal home.

Sue was born in St. Louis, MO on February 21, 1936 to Alfonzo and Catherine Pautler. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy in 1954 and wed Gene Metsker on January 31, 1959. They welcomed their first child, Scott, in December 1959, followed by Noelle in 1960, Melany in 1961 and Melissa in 1964. In July 1974, Sue lost her husband of 15 years. For the next 22 years, she focused on her children and her career until she married the second love of her life, Larry Rinaldo, on March 2, 1996. Sue and Larry had known each other since the 1960’s and no one could have imagined them together. But love always finds a way and these two shared so much love for one another.

There were so many aspects of Sue that it would take a lifetime to share. A few of her adventures included being co-founder of Poor Richards, being involved with the planning committee for the building of Denver International Airport, receiving a Computer Science Degree from Regis College and completing Bible College. She and Larry traveled the world together and they are both people of Christ, attending mass several times a week.

Sue has been an avid advocate for the study and acceptance of mental illness for many years, especially after she lost her daughter Melany in 2001. She always considered writing a book about mental illness in the family and wants the world to know that no family is perfect and everyone struggles; the important part is to help one another through the problems. She believed in making this world a better place and did so every day with her gregarious spirit. She was always giving away small stuffed animals to adults and children alike because she knew that a simple act of kindness could change the course of someone’s day. Her family still proudly continues this tradition and will honor Sue through spreading her love.

Sue is preceded in death by her father and mother, her husband Gene, as well as her daughter Melany. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Larry Rinaldo, her eldest daughter Noelle Kone (Jim); Melissa Crews (Vern); son Scott; stepsons Steve Rinaldo (Melinda) and David Rinaldo (Nancy). She also leaves behind her granddaughters Emily Siniard (Isaac) and Audrey Lippe (Tyler); and grandson Brandon Kone.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at Drinkwine Family Mortuary at 999 W Littleton Boulevard in Littleton, CO 80120 on August 2, 2021 at 6:00 in the evening. The funeral services will be held at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church at 6673 W. Chatfield Ave in Littleton, CO 80128 on August 3, 2021 at 10:30 in the morning. The church will also be streaming the services on their website (www.scfparish.org). Following the ceremony will be a celebration of life reception at 2801 W Long Drive in Littleton, CO 80120, which is the second clubhouse on the right. 

The Metsker and Rinaldo family requests guests wear bright, colorful clothing to the services in memory of Sue.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Suzanne Metsker-Rinaldo may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: www.stjude.org/donate

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