Jody Heuss

Jody Swanson Heuss, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2021 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Jody was an advocate, trailblazer, educator, care giver and peacemaker. She was born to Margaret Mary and Eugene William Swanson on August 28, 1955, the second daughter in a family of five girls. She grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids and graduated from Union High School in 1973. She attended Grand Rapids Junior College and finished her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Western Michigan University.  Jody taught early childhood education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for the majority of her career where she touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students. She was an amazing mother to her three children; supporting and loving them through all of life’s adventures.

Performing cartwheels well into her 50’s Jody never lost her zest for life and truly seized each day as a opportunity to love others and spread kindness. Jody’s greatest joys included being a Granny to her five “fireballs” and marrying her soulmate, David Heuss, on the shores of Lake Michigan in 2016. Jody and Dave met in grade school. After following different life paths Jody and Dave reconnected through their love of music, enjoying concerts in Grand Rapids at “Blues on the Mall.” Jody and Dave celebrated their marriage with a cross country trip of a lifetime to Alaska.

Jody was preceded in death by her mother and father, Eugene and Margaret Swanson as well as infant brother Noel Swanson.

Jody is survived by her adoring and devoted husband David Heuss, her three adult children, Maureen Louise Bowyer (Steven Bowyer), Andrew Swanson Brown, and Kathleen Margaret Gisinger (Steven Gisinger) and their father, John Brown. As well as her “fireballs” William Jay Bowyer, Nathan John Bowyer and Claire “Bear” Irene Bowyer and Lucille Ann Gisinger and Jack Eugene Gisinger.

Also surviving are Jody’s sisters, Molly Potterack (Edward), Ivy Razmus (Gary), Abby Hallford (John), and Jenifer Hanrahan (Paul). As well as many beloved, nieces and nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Jody will be laid to rest in a private graveside service. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beautiful You By Profile Salon, 4669 Alpine Ave NW Suite A, Comstock Park, MI 49321. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jody Heuss, please visit our floral store.