Susanne Michelle (“Susie”) Dodig, 61, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away August 14, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Susie was born Susie Needham to her mother, Barbara Haug (nee Frank), and her father, Terry Needham (Nona). Susie graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1983, and married her high school sweetheart, Michael Dodig, the next year. She obtained her associate’s degree from Longview Community College in 1990. Susie loved working with elementary school-age children, leading her to several roles in the education field, including substitute teacher, front office clerk, and library clerk. Susie was an avid movie buff and loved to read.

Susie married Michael in 1984, and they reared two wonderful and loving children together: Christopher Dodig and Leif Dodig.

Susie is survived by her husband, Michael Dodig; her children, Christopher Dodig (Katherine) of Columbia, Missouri, and Leif Dodig of Blue Springs, Missouri; her mother, Barbara Haug (David); her sister, Lisa Diamond (Curtis); father-in-law, Jim Moore; brother-in-law, Jamie Moore (Ali); her Aunt Patty; her Aunt Carole; nephews, Taylor Givan and Blake Givan (Sammy); and nieces, Sadie Moore and Sylvia Moore; as well as many cousins, colleagues, students, and friends.

Susie was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, Terry Needham; and her mother-in-law, Jan Moore.

Susie’s family will soon host a celebration of her life. Susie wants it to be a day of joy and fellowship, not sorrow, and she asked that guests wear casual clothes in festive colors, including her favorite colors: teal, turquoise, and aquamarine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the KC Pet Project, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, or the cancer research charity of your choice.