Suzann Julia Hatch

“Sue” was born in Buffalo, New York to Dewitt Charles Hatch and Blanch Lena Nye on February 15, 1934. She lived her childhood years in West Seneca, NY and attended public schools and Buffalo State College. Sue had an adventurous and curious mind which matched her fearless spirit! She moved to Miami, Florida, where she worked for National Airlines. She spoke of her travels to Europe, and many other places. While living in Miami, Sue and 2 of her sisters opened a gift shop for several years. Sue moved to Greenville, South Carolina where the 3 sisters owned and operated a bowling alley. Sue became an expert bowler and member of the “270 Club”. Next, Sue moved to Chattanooga, TN and she worked at Dupont for several years. She attended Chattanooga State Technical Community College, receiving a degree in Computer Programming. She became employed at Chattanooga State as a programmer and she also worked as a computer programmer for the City of Chattanooga. Sue lived in the Azores Islands for 7 years, where she and her friend Elaine owned two restaurants.

Sue loved animals, and had dogs, cats, and birds throughout her life. She was a strong supporter of people with disabilities and served on a founding committee to initiate Services for the Deaf in Family Services. Sue also volunteered to represent Chattanooga State Community College by completing the new Orientation to Deafness Program at The University of Tennessee, in Knoxville. She became the first leader and instructor of the 3-year grant for the initial class of Deaf students and a reader for blind students. Her initiative and the success of her students led to the State of Tennessee establishing permanent status for programs serving Deaf students and those with other disabilities.

Sue’s love for others was boundless. From cooking for Hospice patients, to sewing and donating over 1,600 hats to the Mary Ellen Locher Center, to making birthday cakes for Orange Grove Students, Deaf Senior Citizens, and so much more. Suzann lived a life of purpose with a positive attitude. Even through her journey facing dying, she accepted her situation and created a goal to educate others about the human experience of dying.

Sue spent several years tracing her genealogy. She traced her paternal line to the Mayflower. Her maternal line includes many German, Irish, and Swiss settlers in PA and New York.

Sue was especially grateful to live at the Continental Condominiums and for the wonderful, caring Community and for amazing friends who made her life so enjoyable and fulfilling.

Many thanks go to the entire Hearth Hospice Chattanooga team, and namely Sue’s team: Kara and interns Maggie and Sunee; Rusty, Amanda, Quanessa, and Volunteer Doula - Meg.

Sue was preceded in death by parents Dewitt and Blanch Hatch, sisters Ruth Harris, Jean Hatch, and Dorothy Hatch. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, cousins, and lifelong friend and companion, Mary Elaine Moniz.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearth Hospice Chattanooga, The Pet Placement Center in Red Bank, TN, The Chattanooga Food Bank or other Food pantry of choice.