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Susan “Suzie” Margaret Cavallin Stokes of Esko, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 4, 1946, in Two Harbors to Swaney Carl Benjamin and Margaret Eleanor Driscoll Cavallin.
A graduate of Two Harbors High School Class of 1964, and former Miss Two Harbors, Susan, filled her life with friends and music. She sang in Madrigals, and the Trio Choirs, and played piano, guitar, and accordion - by ear. Later, Susan enjoyed gardening, family boating, traveling, and thrifting. She is remembered for her creativity, sense of humor, and generous heart, contributing monthly to her church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and to Boys Town, which was a tradition she carried forward from her father.
An accomplished typist, Susan, built a 45-year career in medical transcription. In 1975, she founded Midway Medical Transcriptions, serving multiple medical specialties. She also served as secretary for the Duluth Sail and Power Squadron. Her skill with words made her a formidable Scrabble opponent.
In January 1965, Susan married the love of her life, Robert Edmund Stokes. Together they raised children - David (Kristi), Sheri (Tom Ruemmele), and Melissa (Aaron Martineau). She cherished being a mother, and lovingly adored her grandchildren Jamie, Jared, Thomas, Jackson, Aleksander, Elle, Maya, Nikolas, Avery, Tanner, and great-grandchild Maverick.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Steven, Robert, Gary, and Donald; and her beloved husband. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, siblings Bill (Shay) Cavallin and Mary (Tom) Simonsen, and many nieces and nephews.
A service celebrating Susan’s life will be held at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Esko on December 19, 2025, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 4 Elizabeth Ave., Esko, MN 55733 or My Savior Lives (MSL Northland), C/O Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2021 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55812. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.
