Susan M. Kostrzeba

Susan Marie Kostrzeba, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Fishers, Indiana, on February 7, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1954,to Gilbert Harshbarger and Viora Harshbarger (Zuver) and grew up in Lansing IL

Susan was a devoted and passionate speech pathologist who made a lasting impact on countless lives through her practice, Speech Language Hearing Services, in Valparaiso, Indiana. Her dedication to her clients and her profession reflected her deep belief in communication, connection, and compassion.

She is survived by her loving spouse of more than 40 years, Ronald Kostrzeba, and her four children: James Yocum (Stephanie), Kenin Krieger (Alan Rosolowski), Kerisa Shiflett (Robert), and Jeremy Kostrzeba. She is also survived by her six cherished grandchildren: Casimir, Dominic, Alan, Betti, Madison, and Ainsley.

Susan had a lifelong passion for education, music, her clients, travel, Disney World, and giraffes, and she especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren. Her family and friends describe her as loyal, tenacious, stubborn, loving, brilliant, complex, determined, funny, and fierce—a woman whose fire and light touched everyone she met.

Through her career, Susan served as a beacon of hope, a teacher, and an advocate. In her personal life, she guided her family in faith, compassion, and togetherness. She loved exploring the world and appreciating its many cultures, and she especially cherished Disney vacations with her husband and granddaughter Madison. Susan leaves her family with the reminder to walk in Christ’s love and hold fast to the hope that they will one day be reunited with her in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, Susan wished to continue giving back to families in need. She was a proud supporter of Heifer International, an organization that uplifts communities through sustainable resources and education. Please consider honoring her legacy with a donation at: https://fundraise.heifer.org/fundraiser/6978386