Suzanne Lee (MacDonald) Tofteland

Our beautiful mother Suzanne Lee Tofteland (nee MacDonald) age 88 of Mounds View went home to heaven peacefully on January 25th 2026, surrounded by her daughters and faithful companion Tank, or as Mom called him, "My Guy". We are heartbroken, but find solace in knowing she lived a full and vibrant life.

Preceded in death husband, Elard V. Tofteland (2015); parents Russell and Katherine MacDonald; brothers Doug and Robert MacDonald; sisters Kay Lennon and Bonnie Cox.

She is survived by daughters Kay (John) Donovan, Jayne (Mike) Rooney; Tara (Tim) Rolfer; Granddaughters Samantha Donovan, Madeline (Carson) Rooney; brothers Warren and Cameron (Judy) MacDonald sister in law Mary MacDonald; Susan Straka; many special nieces and nephews, loving relatives and friends.

She battled through many obstacles, never complaining, as she was the strongest woman we knew.

Sue's greatest joy was her family and two granddaughters. She attended many of their hockey games and couldn't resist showing off her tattoo of the Olympic rings on her wrist. She also loved her many trips to Hajime with her granddaughters.

One of her many passions was watching football and her "Chiefs". She would get into her Mahomes jersey and call every play as if she were the coach. Playing "pokes", as we called it, and her face would light up every time she won a hand. Our monthly casino runs were on the agenda too. Our yearly birthday camping trip to Stinckley (Hinckley) was another favorite of Mom's. The "3" Musketeers (Mom, Tim, and Tara) would jump into the car and just cruise around with no destination in sight. Maybe a restaurant stop? Her fondest memories were of her hometown of Gordon, Wisconsin just relaxing with relatives sipping an occasional "french martooni" or a glass of wine in Antoine's front porch.

Her cooking was second to none, especially her potato salad, and as Tara says, "not sweet". Beef stroganoff was another dish our family enjoyed frequently at our forever home-8015 Fairchild Ave. Mom and Kay had 50 years of the Oscars-critiquing all who walked the red carpet. Mom and Jayne enjoyed many hours of playing gin and vow to continue doing it in heaven together. She also loved mooching around the State Fair, people watching for hours, then reporting the action back to us. Her Christmas tree took days to decorate as she meticulously placed every ornament. She was a wiz at Jeopardy, almost always getting the final question.

She worked 55 plus years as a server. Two notable places in downtown Minneapolis were the Hilton and Peter's Grill. Nicklow's in Spring Lake Park for many years. She always knew everyone who came through the door.

Moms spirit and humor were one of a kind and could not be matched.

A gathering of family and friends for Suzanne will be held at Willie McCoys in Andover February 24th 4-8 p.m. Bring your memories, laughter, stories and colorful attire as it exemplifies that of her gypsy spirit. A private family gathering will be planned later this summer in Gordon, Wi.

Until we meet again, look for signs that she is, and always will be, with us. Her spirit animal is The Buffalo.

"The Twelfth of Never" is how long we will love and miss you.

 Your loving daughters Kay, Jayne, and Tara

To honor Suzanne's memory, donations can be made to her favorite charity St. Jude Children's Hospital.

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