A life filled with love and laughter. Susan Updike was born on August 1st, 1945 and passed away on Friday, October 28th at the age of 77.
She was Sue, Susie, Susan, Susanne, Mom, Grandma, Ammy, Doin, or Sue Kazoo, depending on who was talking to her. She filled her life with talking on the telephone to family, friends and anyone that called by chance. One can imagine she is figuring out how to get cell service from the beyond.
She was a mother, wife, teacher, friend, advisor and advocate. She was a trailblazer, a force of will and audacity, tempered by caring and kindness. She had a heart so powerful that those who did not start out as her family often became so through her stories, conversations, love, openness and laughter. Those who know her can share countless memories of her impact on their lives, and it is these remembrances which now carry her memory forward in this life. She is loved and she is missed.
Susan is survived by: her husband Paul Mooney; her daughter Kirsten and her husband, Tom, and their children, Lucia and Finn; her son Kristofer and his husband, Jose, and their daughter Clara; her son Jason and his wife, Ivy, and their children, Cosima and Francisco; and Susan’s stepdaughter, Karina. Sue is preceded by her late husband, William Updike, and a menagerie of animals.
Her family and all those touched by her love stretch from Pennsylvania to New York, New Jersey, Virginia, California and beyond.
There will be no funeral service (she hated crowds and funerals even more). In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy, PA.
Cremation Services of Lancaster – 717-cremate
Dear Kirsten and family
My deepest condolences. Susan was a truly wonderful woman
With warm thoughts for you
Susanne and Bill were the unofficial first family of our State Street block – and further – because of organizing the annual yard sale and their ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ for newbie’s like us at #615 decades ago.
Just the other day I Was remembering a cadre of us relaxing outside to celebrate another successful sale with drinks and cigars. Think Heather and Blakely’s brought the cigars!
Beautifully written tribute. Really catches her essence.
Susan was my second mom growing up since I was very young as well as my mom’s best friend. She had a way of seeing through BS yet never talked unkindly, just noted behaviors in a really insightful way. She was accepting of people as they were. She could be so funny- as in rolling, wet your pants funny with her stories. We talked some about spiritual subjects and end of life a few months ago not knowing it would apply to her so soon, too soon. She had strong faith and when we visited in her last days she was calmly waiting for the transition.
I will miss her and remember her with gratitude. Kirsten, Kris and Jason- our deepest condolences.
So very sorry for your loss. Sue was always a friend through the years beginning in High School. We had many fun and crazy experiences. I hope all of your memories bring you peace and comfort as time allows. Blessings be with you all in this time of sorrow.
So very sorry for your loss. Sue was always a friend through the years beginning in High School. We had many fun and crazy experiences. I hope all of your memories bring you peace and comfort as time allows. Blessings be with you all in this time of sorrow.
It saddens me that I had lost contact with Susan over the years, but I have such fond memories of our home-schooling years. She and Helen were my confidants and support.
Accept my condolences, Kris, Jason and Kiersen. She was one of a kind.
To all Susan’s friends and family –
She was a guiding light and such support to me and my family. She is a loss to all who knew her and to this world. May her light shine in all of us. I wish everyone love and comfort with her memory.
So ,so sorry to lose such a wonderful person ! I always enjoyed Sue and her laughter . She was a great wife , mother, and a friend to everyone. Dear family , I know this is a great loss to all of you , but she knew what life was about ,and that we all have a time when we leave our beloved family and friends . Susan knew her family would be okay because of how she raised them and loved them all so deeply . God bless you Sue ,and now rest in the place with God our Father in heaven. You are loved ! Gray