Susan Sandra Bercier-Keplin, age 72, of rural Belcourt, North Dakota, passed away on the afternoon of February 15, 2025 at SMP Health - St. Kateri in Rolla, North Dakota surrounded by her boys.

In the summer of 1952, Peter & Dorothy Zaste welcomed their daughter, Susan, on July 21 at the Belcourt Hospital. Growing up, the Zaste Family, featuring seven girls, lived in the city center of Belcourt. Susie spent many hours visiting and playing with the other town kids, such as the Alberts, etc, making memories that she would tell throughout her lifetime. She received her education in Belcourt, later receiving her GED and associate of applied science. Susie married Jonest Bercier on April 16, 1971 at St. Ann's Church in Belcourt. They had one son, Christopher Peter, and made their home one-mile SE of Belcourt.

For nearly 30 years, Sue was employed as a teacher's aide at the Belcourt Elementary School, a career that she ever so enjoyed. Her coworkers became her best friends and her students became her own children. Outside of the classroom and into retirement, she loved visiting with her coffee circle, watching The Young & the Restless, scrolling Facebook, researching family history, going to the casino, and taking daily trips to Rolla or Bottineau, with Dairy Queen and Walmart being two of her favorite stops. Susie would marry Clarence Keplin later in life.

Susan is survived by her son, Chris (Audrey) Bercier; grandchildren, Devin, Tucker, and Camille Bercier; sisters, Betty (Richard) Marcellais, Linda "Waxie" Zaste, Marie "Jo" Zaste, and Shelly Zaste; great granddaughter, Khili; brother-in-law's, Peter (Laurie) Bercier and Curtis (Jessica) Ferris; sister-in-law's, Patty (Glen) Longie, Linda (Jay) Martin, Claudette (Larry) Gourneau, Theresa (Mike) Higgins, and Brenda (DJ) Poitra; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Susie was preceded in death by her husbands, Jonest Bercier and Clarence Keplin; parents, Peter & Dorothy Zaste; sisters, Donna (Ed "Wimpy") Wilkie and Cindy Zaste; infant sisters, Sharon and Theresa Zaste; in-laws, Madeline & (Peter Bercier) Roy Ferris; and sister-in-law, LeeAnn Davis.

On behalf of our entire family, we would like to extend our thanks to Joyce Short, Holly LaVallie, Tracy Casavant, and Fr. Richard Fineo, as well as Dr. Larson and the entire team at the Rolla Hospital for the compassionate and loving care that was provided to our mom, sister, and grandmother in her final moments with us. Additionally, we would like to thank all who visited, sent food, and made the funeral services possible. Your love and support during this most difficult time has been so great, with our gratitude being immeasurable. We truly thank you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church, St. John, ND. Prior to the mass, the rosary will be prayed at 9:00 AM, with the eulogy to follow at 9:30 AM. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Richard Fineo. A luncheon to share stories will follow the mass at 11:00 AM in the lower hall of the church. Burial will be at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND, later in the spring next to Jonest.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.