Susan Putnam

She Made the World Warmer—One Blanket and One Gathering at a Time

Susan was born on December 23rd, 1968, in Fridley, MN, to George and Lois Beaving. She grew up in Andover, MN, with her two sisters and one brother. She attended St. Francis High School, where she graduated in 1987.

After graduation, Susan set out on her own and worked her way through various jobs. She eventually found a role with Cenex/Land O’Lakes, where she worked for 17 years in the agricultural equipment division, promoting custom application agricultural equipment. In her last career move, she had the opportunity to work with Syngenta in various roles, where she spent 12 years. During her final six years, she found her passion as an event coordinator for Golden Harvest and NK Seeds within Syngenta. Susan loved hosting and planning events for everyone—both personally and professionally—and she was very good at it. She met many wonderful people along the way and experienced countless adventures and opportunities while helping plan large corporate and personal events.

Susan was married in 1991 and shortly after welcomed two beautiful children, Haley Joyce and Jason Putnam. Susan later became a single mother, during which time she built a new home and ventured out with Haley and Jason, always wanting her children to experience the world. Together, they traveled overseas numerous times and shared many fun and adventurous experiences.

In 2009, she met her life partner, Todd McRoberts, and they began a life together, blending their family with the addition of Sean McRoberts and “Ava,” her beloved golden retriever. Over the next 17 years, they shared amazing experiences—traveling to children’s school and sporting events and enjoying many family vacations. During this time, they also created a second home in northern Minnesota near Lake Mille Lacs at Trottersville Resort. There, Sue was able to relax and build many lifelong friendships that she shared with her entire family. She was known as the “camp mom,” hosting people many evenings and during resort celebrations, cooking for everyone, providing snacks, and welcoming children and friends alike.

During the past seven years, she also learned how to make minky blankets from Todd’s mother, Roxanne. She developed a passion for this craft and created over 400 baby, pet, and full-size blankets for friends, family, and others. She started a business called Honey Bear Blankets, where she met many new people and shared her love of creating cozy, meaningful gifts.

Susan was blessed with a granddaughter, Phoebe, this past September, and she was overjoyed. She had always dreamed of having grandchildren and was able to spend valuable time with Phoebe over the past six months, showering her with love and gifts—something she truly loved to do.

Susan fought multiple battles with cancer over the past 15 years, most recently liver cancer. She fought incredibly hard and never backed down. She was an amazing, strong-willed person who faced everything head-on and never gave up on herself, her family, or her friends. Susan touched many lives and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Susan is survived by her parents, George and Lois Beaving; her children, Haley and Joey Joyce (granddaughter Phoebe), and Jason Putnam (Anna); her life partner, Todd McRoberts, and his son, Sean McRoberts; her sisters, Sara and Mike Axiotis (children Katie, Kendra, and Brooke), and Rachel and Tony Rainaldo (children Maci and Mara); her brother, Dan and Sarah Beaving; her Round Lake family; and her beloved dog, Ava.

Flowers, cards, and any donations may be sent to her residence at:

4002 155th Ave NE

Ham Lake, MN 55304

memorial service

Celebration of Life

April 11, 2026

A celebration of life will be held for Susan in Ham Lake, MN, on April 11th at her residence—a place she loved to gather and host family and friends. All who knew and loved Susan are invited to attend and celebrate her life and the many joyful memories she created. Food and refreshments will be provided.

11:00am - 2:00pm with a Remembrance at 12:00pm.