Susan (Susie) Kenney Afflerbach
In the same peaceful and dignified way that she lived her life, Susie was embraced by the Lord and taken from the arms of her husband to cross the Rainbow Bridge. She was guided by her dad Al, her father-in-law George and other family and friends who made the crossing before her. She was met and comforted on the other side by all of the furry friends that she had so unselfishly given herself to: Elmer, Morgan, Ollie, My Girl and hundreds of others that had been fortunate to benefit from her love, empathy and compassion. While on earth, Susie touched many hearts and souls with her musical and artistic talents, generous and compassionate spirit and kind soul. Her first and foremost love was for all creatures great and small. She was nicknamed Snow White and the Animal Whisperer by her family and friends who often witnessed her affinity with and empathy toward animals. She not only spoke to the animals but understood and responded to their individual needs both as a care giver and soul mate.
Susie began painting at the age of 45. Her specialty of course was wildlife art and she devoted her substantial talents to making a statement for her four legged friends who could not speak for themselves. She soon became a popular local artist. She called her business “Elmers Rainbow” named after her favorite kitty that passed away in Florida at the age of 15. Susie’s art was also inspired from her many visits to and support of the Wolf Sanctuary of PA where Niksa, Delilah, Casper, Murphy and many of the local ‘residents’ were immortalized in her paintings. Her domestic and wildlife paintings were hauntingly distinguished by the eyes which truly captured and revealed what Susie found in their souls. Two years ago, Susie collaborated with ten other central Pennsylvania artists to open and operate the Gallery at La Cigale in Mt. Gretna. She was involved in coordinating the Mt. Gretna First Friday celebrations featuring art, music, fine food and wine and assisted with the annual Lebanon Valley Art Walk. She also designed and maintained websites for these artistic venues.
Musically gifted as well, Susie began playing the piano at age five. She was particularly fond of both classical and popular music genres and was inspired by Rachmaninoff, Barry Manilow, Billy Joel and Elton John. The piano was her constant companion overshadowed only by her love of animals.
Born in Millville, NJ, Susie lived in South Jersey, Philadelphia, Florida and Central Pennsylvania which she loved most and considered her home. It was in Central PA that Susie began her painting career and where she adopted and cared for the local wildlife. There is no doubt Susie was put here on earth for others to witness, learn and feed from her soul, just as the deer and turkey fed from her hands. She was and continues to be the love of her husband’s life. She and Gregg were married in October, 1991 and have shared truckloads of memories ever since. Susie is also survived by her mother Patricia, Karen and Jim, Bert, Mark and Linda, Robbie and Kelly her nieces Michelle, Lauren, Rylie and Tatum and her nephew Shaun. Surviving relatives include the Cunningham, Serra, Hartford and O’Donnell families and Afflerbach, Rothsching, Mell and Goldthorp in-laws.
A celebration of Susie’s life will be held at the Timbers Restaurant and Dinner Theater 350 Timber Rd, Mt Gretna, PA 17064 on Saturday, February 1, 2014 beginning at noon. Her friends and family are invited to participate. Donations in Susie’s name can be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County (www.lebanonhumane.org).
Greg, I know this is very late in coming but I’ve been away and had no idea what was happening around here…I went to look for Susie’s Elmer’s Rainbow site and just about fell right over. Words can’t describe how sad I feel right at this moment. Susie was such a wonderful person; always so sweet, warm and considerate. I’ll never forget those times at The Hideaway hanging out with you guys, singing, talking music trivia. Susie would have her latest artwork on her cell to look at…she was an outstanding artist. Susie was always kind to me, as were you…and I’m so very sorry Greg. I just can’t believe she’s really gone.
All my prayers and thoughts are with you, man. She will be greatly missed.
Greg, oh my I will miss seeing Susan, her gentle way, great sense of humor and wonderful laugh. It was always a pleasure running into both of you at the Hide-A-Way and sharing a few drinks and laughs.
Eternal rest, grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Greg and family, We just discovered this horrible news. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this devastating loss. Susan and you were truly the most wonderful neighbors a person could wish for. We share your loss deeply.
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. SUE AND I WENT TO ST MARYS TOGETHER.I DO HAVE ONE PICTURE FROM HER THAT I LOVE.THANKS SUE.
Gregg, we are so very sorry and are deeply saddened to hear about Susan. She was such a beautiful person and will be truly missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Gregg and all of Susies family. Kind, beautiful and spiritual,she will be missed by everyone that knew her.
Greg
Susie and I went to school together class of 75 Millville. I could tell that you made her so very happy . I am so very truly sorry for your loss.
so so sorry for your loss of Susie – she will continue to be in your presence every time you see her beloved animals. She touched my heart as well. She earned her angel wings… God Bless.
I met and knew Susie from Millville high School. I am sad to hear of the loss of such a sweet person. Her smile always came straight from her heart. My condolences to the family.
Sincerely, Ed Gant
Bob and I are very sorry to hear about Susie and we send our sincere condolences. Words seem inadequate at this time but please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Gregg, you know I don’t have to tell you how greatful I am to have known and love my Susie Q. Good friends in high school, and then reconnecting on social media lead me to reconnect with her at your home 2 Autums ago. I will always cherish that weekend I spent with you both. I’m so happy to have finally met you and remember how you looked at your wife and her with you with such love that then and there I knew how to 2 persons can become one. I don’t think I will ever meet another friend like her. She was that one in a million that I will carry in my heart forever. She was truly an angel here on earth and I thank God I had a chance to call her my friend. Sending prayers to you, Gregg, and the whole family.
Afflerbach and Kenney family,
We were saddened to hear of Susan’s passing. We were honored to take care of all the fur babies that were fortunate to cross paths with Susan’s compassion and love. All the animals that she was blessed with caring for that have already crossed rainbow bridge will be reunited with her. Your families will be in our thoughts and prayers
I grew up in Millville and knew Susie from my class. I friended her on facebook a couple years ago and was amazed at her life…..her artwork just astounded me and I was thrilled to be in touch with her again. I could see how happy she was as she told me Florida was too hot and she loved where she was with Gregg and her community. My deep sympathies to Gregg, her sister Karen and her entire family. I called her Susie Snow White with her posts and videos and astounding art pieces. She was and is a remarkable friend who I will always miss. She was beautiful inside and out. May her legacy and strength get you through this loss.
Sincerely, Carol Rodgers
So sorry for your lost Susan was a wonderful person.
Kenney and Afflerbach families,
We were deeply saddened upon hearing of Susies passing. We would like to express our deepest sympathies at this time. We have many fond memories of Susie, beginning with being neighbors and childhood friends. From reading the condolences, it is obvious both her physical and spiritual beauty and many talents touched many people. May your fond memories help comfort you and give you peace at this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Rose, Harry, Sheila and Patrick Schwegel
Karen & Jim,
Our condolences on your loss, as your family remains in our thoughts and prayers!
Gregg,
I am so sorry to hear about Susie. Her obituary was lovely and really painted a genuine picture of her. Susie was a truly special person and enchanted everyone that she met. My sincerest condolences. Please feel free to call Ken and I if you want to go out, talk, cry, or just sit in silence.
Deepest sympathy,
Michelle & Ken Ebersole
Gregg,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Suzie! I’m so sorry!! Reading this only made it bittersweet, because amid the sadness was this bright light of her spirit which lives continually on. She is the type where you only had to meet her once and residuals of that spirit lingered with you for a long time afterwards…she was that powerful! You are truely a blessed man to be part of her life and legacy.
I wish and pray for your comfort, and for the healing hand of God to guide you through this difficult time.
Ken R.
Gregg and family, we are so very sad to hear about Susan. As all the others have stated, she was one of the most talented and kind woman we have ever met. Every day we enjoy the picture she painted for us of the cardinals. We will now cherish it even more. Our deepest sympathy.
Even though life has distanced us, you have always been in our hearts. Gregg, I can’t begin to express our deepest sympathies. Susan’s kind spirit and loving manner will forever be with us.
Gregg I am just in shock. I had no idea. I still have her Noah’s Ark needlepoint that she did for Eric’s birth in our hallway. Susan was one of the few people I have known who didn’t have a mean bone in her body…I guess the animals could sense this. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susie painted my daughter’s kittens as a Christmas gift…her last painting. I am sure she was feeling bad and yet it was important to her to get this painting done and to me. The short time I knew who and many Facebook conversations, it was apparent that she was a beautiful, generous person. The world has lost a sweet spirit, but heaven has gained a loving angel. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. God Bless You, Susie…Karen Kolodi
Greg, I am so sorry to hear of Susie’s death .I was always glad to see and talk to you and Susie.i will always cherish the stone that Susie gave me of a fawn.i always enjoyed when Susie would tell me about her “babies”that came to your backyard, her face would just light up!! you will be in my prayers.
Greg, so sorry to hear of Susie’s death. always enjoyed seeing and talking to you and Susie. I will cherish the stone that Susie gave me of a fawn. always loved the times she told me of her “babies” that came to your backyard, her face would just light up! you are in my prayers. take one day at a time.
lynda
Greg, so sorry to hear of Susie’s death.always enjoyed seeing and talking to you and Susie.i will cherish the stone that Susie gave me of a fawn. always loved the times she told me of her” babies” that came to your back yard, her face would just light up!you are in my prayers