Susan Helbert Jarosz

Susan Helbert Jarosz

Age 78 Duluth, Minnesota

Passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Susan Helbert Jarosz announces her passing on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 78, in Duluth, Minnesota, following a courageous battle with ALS.

Born to Clifford and Lorraine Helbert, Susan was raised in a home filled with faith, learning, and laughter- qualities that defined her life and the countless lives she touched. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, James Jarosz, and her beloved son, Matthew Jarosz, both of whom were blessed beyond measure by her boundless love and strength.

A gifted educator and lifelong advocate for children, Susan dedicated her career to shaping young minds and hearts. She served as a third-grade teacher in the Menomonee Falls School System for five years, later inspiring students as a kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Peace Elementary School for twenty years, and as a Master Coach for the Minnesota Reading Corps for nine years. Her classrooms were filled not only with lessons and laughter but with compassion and encouragement, every child left knowing they were seen, capable, and loved.

Susan's greatest joy was lifting others up. She was known for championing people - always cheering, supporting, and checking in on those she loved. Friends and family alike will remember her as a beacon of light, the one who could find hope when there was only darkness, and whose kindness and steady presence made others believe in themselves again.

Outside the classroom, Susan expressed her love most clearly through cooking. The kitchen was her creative space, her love of language, and one of her greatest joys. She was a gifted chef-well above average and was always exploring new recipes, perfecting family favorites, and sharing her creations with others. Her homemade cookies became a beloved tradition, especially during ski season, when she sent batches with James every Wednesday for the Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol to enjoy. For Susan, cooking wasn't just about food, it was about care, comfort, and bringing people together.

She also shared a lifelong passion for sports. Susan and Jim were devoted fans of Minnesota Gopher athletics, holding season tickets to Gopher Football for 20 years and cheering on the men's hockey team at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis alongside their son, Matthew.  She also followed the Packers, Vikings, Bucks, Twins, and Timberwolves, and loved tuning in to Pardon the Interruption.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 E 4th St., Duluth, with one hour of visitation prior.

Interment: St. Adalbert's Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St, Duluth MN 55805, 218-727-3555.

Memorials preferred to Life House Duluth, 102 W. 1st St, Duluth MN 55802 https://lifehouseduluth.org/donate/

or The ALS Association https://www.als.org/?form=general&s_src=donatebutton