Susan E. Lafond, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 17, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church with Fr. Robert Gross officiating. Family and friends may gather after 8:30a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd is assisting the family.

Sue was born, October 4, 1937, at home, 2100 Jackson St, Dubuque, the daughter of Frank and Susan (Klein) Defendi. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1955.

Sue joined the U.S. Navy in 1957. While stationed at NATTC Jacksonville, Florida, she sang in the Base Chapel Choir. There, she met Donat Lafond, a U.S. Marine from Holyoke, Massachusetts. They were married in the chapel on October 10, 1959.

After completing their tours of duty, Sue and Donat settled in Holyoke. Following the deaths of Donat’s parents, they returned to Dubuque to be near Sue’s parents.

Sue was deeply involved in her parish, serving on numerous committees and as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and choir member. She also volunteered in Scouting as both a Cub Scout leader and a Girl Scout leader, and she served as an officer of the ICA Alumnae Association.

Sue worked for many years in the Little Cloud Girl Scout Council office. Her final—and favorite—position was serving as secretary at Grand View United Methodist Church, where she worked for 34 years.

Sue enjoyed sewing, reading, and playing word and card games with her family.

She is survived by her children: Ann Kirk, Lia Lafond (with whom she resided), Meg (Steve) Greenwood, Frank Lafond of Dubuque and Eva Egr (Randy Jansa) of Weston, NE; six grandchildren: Cory (Kendra) Daufeldt, Sara Johnson, Joseph (DeAnna) Kirk, Kyle (Natalie) Jess, Hope Greenwood, and Tessa Greenwood. Six great-grandchildren: Izzac Kirk, Andrew Johnson, Patience (Dalton) Peters, Deztiny and Layla Kirk and Kayden Daufeldt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Donat in 2013; her brother Frank & his wife, Beth; her nephew Jeff Defendi, son-in-law Joe Kirk, and great-grandchild Hayden Daufeldt.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque and Paul at Palliative Care for the compassionate care they gave to Sue.

Sue requested no flowers, in her honor please make memorial donations to the family or a charity of your choice.