Susan Elizabeth Kolta

Susan Elizabeth Kolta (née Terek), a longtime resident of Westlake, Ohio, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 5, 2025, after a full and meaningful life. She was 68 years old. Born on May 3, 1957, in Lakewood, Ohio, Susan was raised in Sheffield Lake and graduated from Brookside High School in 1975. She spent the last 25 years living in Westlake, where she was known for her compassion, warmth, and dedication to others. Susan devoted her professional life to nursing. She served as a registered nurse at both St. Joseph Hospital in Lorain, where she was head nurse of the intensive care unit,and later as a breast cancer navigator for the Lorain Cleveland Clinic. She was the recipient of the 2017 Living Angel Award from the American Cancer Society. Her caring nature and commitment to her patients left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Outside of work, Susan found joy in the simple things: gardening, tending to her flowers, collecting cherubs, and spending time with her beloved dogs, Molly and Izzy. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, sense of humor, and the love she shared with her family, friends, and animals. She is survived by her loving sisters, Paula Kawasaki (Dean), Michele Henes (Ed), and Patricia Solis (Ben). She was a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Maggie, Laura, Jeffrey, Katie, Jill, Darcie, Emily, Ben, and Tony; as well as many great-grandnieces and nephews. Susan also leaves behind her dear friend, Susie Williams (Carl Yood), who was like family; and her lifelong friends, JoAnn and Andy Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ragaie Kolta; her grandmother, Mary Himes; as well as by her parents, Michael and Joan Terek (née Himes). In accordance with Susan's wishes, the family will hold a private graveside service, with a celebration of life to be held later this summer. Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.