Susan Lee Ziegler, 73, of Lebanon, PA, passed-over on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community, Manheim, PA. Having experienced a health downturn in December, 2019, Sue moved to Mount Hope, where for 4 ½ years she was lovingly cared-for.
Susan was born July 5, 1950, in Lebanon, PA. She was preceded in death by her mother Marjorie A. (Travis) Ziegler and her father Jack C. Ziegler and by her companion Richard A. Hitz. Sue is survived by beloved maternal Louisiana family and cousins, who considered Sue (an only child) to be their sister. Sue is also survived by paternal Pennsylvania cousins and many close friends.
Sue completed six years of public school in Lebanon, PA, and completed junior and senior high school at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Overbrook in 1969 and from Messiah College, Dillsburg, PA, in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. A few years later she earned a teaching certificate from Millersville University, PA. She was an exceptionally high achieving student, a recognized school leader, and a fine teacher --- who received academic, leadership, and teaching awards.
For fifteen years, Sue taught for the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, Adult Education. She primarily taught English as a Second Language and Citizenship, but Sue also provided teaching support in ABE/GED and Life Skills. She helped not only her own students become U.S. citizens but also assisted students’ families immigrate to the U.S. and acquire citizenship. Sue also was employed by Olan Mills Photography and Lancaster-Lebanon Vision Corps.
An avid reader, first print and later Braille and audio media, by the age of 30, Sue had read the world’s important classics. At age 30 Sue lost her eyesight, but she continued to devour books in Braille and audio format. Via book talks and through personal conversations, she eagerly shared her love of reading with everyone. Cousin Mary is very grateful that young teen Sue introduced her to Nancy Drew mysteries. Those were special times – learning, growing, sharing - during Sue’s Summer vacations to the Travis family farm in Louisiana.
In addition to reading, Sue loved to crochet and to knit and to listen to music. Highly skilled at crocheting and knitting, she gifted family and friends with her colorful, lovely, perfect creations (afghans, baby blankets, lap robes, and tree ornaments). Her music collection spanned many genres from classical to folk to rock, etc.
Although she lost her eyesight, Sue was highly independent, was able to live on her own, and was able to do anything/everything. She loved to “get up, get out, and to go.” If Sue received last minute invitations, she responded, “Give me five minutes.”
Favorite PA activities included camping at the Lions’ Club camp and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, various Lebanon, Lancaster, and Mount Gretna arts and crafts events, and the Harrisburg Kipona. She also enjoyed movies, theater, concerts, and symphony. Sue (and friend Linda from IU 13 days) frequently shared a favorite activity --- eating out. They enjoyed breakfast or lunch, and especially coffee, at the Timeless Café, Lebanon, PA.
Ater her parents were gone, Sue flew alone to Louisiana to visit family. There, she treasured going to Bay St. Louis Beach, to the St. Francisville Plantation Homes and Gardens, and to Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Many, Louisiana, to share quality time with family and friends.
Sue’s vacations in the South were wonderful times for her and her family. In her 60s, Sue became the “hub of the family --- keeping everybody informed of marriage, new babies, illnesses, etc. She had an elephant’s memory and was a walking/talking “yellow pages.” She also remembered anything/everything about everybody. When Sue was called on for information, if she couldn’t immediately recall it, she would soon figure it out.
A spiritual being, Sue knew, "You have to believe in something, or you will fall for anything." Sue was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Lebanon, PA. As she understood Jesus’ message of LOVE --- caring, empathy, forgiving, kindness, patience, understanding; Sue made a conscious decision to LOVE and to act lovingly, as best she could, during her lifetime.
Sue will be remembered for her positive energies and her ability to lift-up others. She “kept her face to the sun and never saw the shadows.” She was a determined, feisty, motivated person --- The Little Engine Who Could.
The Cremation Society of Pennsylvania handled Sue’s passing, and she now rests in peace at the Grand View Memorial Garden, Annville, PA. An informal “Thanksgiving for Susan’s Life” will be held privately at the Timeless Café, Lebanon, PA. To remember Susan, consider contributing to the Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community, Manheim PA, to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Lebanon, PA, and/or to the Lancaster-Lebanon Lion’s Club, Lebanon, PA.
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