Susan Hodson Gunnarson

Susan Hodson Gunnarson, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend returned peacefully to her heavenly home to party with her loved ones on the other side on Monday, March 16, 2026. She was always so pleased that she got to come into this world on a bright sunny day in Springfield, Massachusetts, on June 21, 1939, the longest day of the year. Her parents, Paul and Shelley Holmes Hodson, were thrilled to welcome her, their first child, and knew immediately that she was the most beautiful baby ever born. Indeed, she won a ‘Most Beautiful Baby” contest before she turned one. She was the first of a rowdy family of eight children and she loved the lifelong friendship she shared with her siblings and extended family.

Susan was a devoted mother and had 4 beautiful children of her own, Michael Nemelka, Debbie N. Spotts, Tracy N. Sullivan, and Jon Carl Nemelka, as well as 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom was her favorite!

Sadly, both Debbie and Jon have preceded her in death and are greeting her with open arms now that she has joined them. She also raised her granddaughter, Christina, after the death of Debbie, to become an incredible young woman.

Susan not only was beautiful, but she loved creating beauty around her. She had a life-long love of decorating and design, and had a knack for coming up with innovative ways to accomplish her vision. She loved entertaining her friends and family and truly was a ‘hostess with the mostess.’ It wasn’t unusual to see her running recruitment activities for the Chamber Of Commerce or rubbing elbows with dignitaries at the Governors Ball.

Susan was also adept at finding good husbands. She married Ran Sherwood and had her first child, Michael. After their divorce, she married Carl Nemelka and they shared many exciting new adventures and brought in Debbie, Tracy and Jon to the family. After their marriage ended, she met and married Lynn Gunnarson, who took Susan on a long and wonderful journey together until his death in 2014.

Susan is survived by her son Mike, daughter Tracy, grandkids and great grandkids. Also proceeding her in death were her parents Paul and Shelley Hodson her brother, David Hodson.

Susan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved her Savior dearly, declaring Him her best friend throughout her life.

A graveside service will be held on March 21, 2026 at 11:00 at the Memorial Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd. Cottonwood Heights Utah.