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Susan SAUNDERS Obituary
Susan was born on Aug. 6, 1948, in Newport News, Va. She was the youngest of five children. Susan lived in Newport News for her entire life, and was a graduate of Warwick High School and Christopher Newport College. She was an active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and Daughters of the King, an honorary member of Denbigh Presbyterian Church, and was best known as Miss Susan to the many children she looked after over the years. Her passions in life included spending time with her family, taking care of children, and doing her many crafts.
Susan is survived by her beloved daughters, Jennifer Manry and Robin Saunders; sons-in-law, Bradley Manry and Mark Thomas; and her granddaughters, Avery and Ella. She is further survived by her brothers, Robert Brittinghamand James Brittingham; her sisters-in-law, Karen and Joyce; her nieces, Melanie and Laura; her mother-in-law and close friend, Verni Saunders and her extended family.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Jerome Brittingham Jr. and Agnes Hunter Brittingham; her sister, Marty Brittingham; and father-in-law, William Saunders.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at St Andrews Episcopal Church, located at 45 Main St., Newport News, VA 23601. A reception will follow so that family and friends may share the wonderful memories they have of Susan's life. The family sincerely wishes that all who loved Susan gather with us to celebrate her life, and honor her by wearing yellow, as it was her favorite color and a symbol of the vitality and life that Susan brought to all the lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be sent to the memorial fund of St. Andrews Episcopal church so that her love of the church, and her legacy, can live on.
Susan will be remembered as she was loved. Her generosity, enthusiasm and unbounded spirit will remain as she leaves us to rest in the arms of the angels. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan SAUNDERS
Tina & Chuck Newton
September 15, 2010
Jennifer and Robin,
We were so sorry to hear about your mom. Alana is at Bridgewater College playing field hockey and we owe much thanks for that to Miss Susan. She was so important to our family, especially Alana. Our hearts and prayers are with you. She was a wonderful person and will live forever in our hearts and memories.
September 11, 2010
Susan and I worked on the Altar Guild at St. Andrew's. She was a wonderful, funny, inspiring, and spirtual woman. I will miss our Saturday morning chats as we prepared the Altar for Sunday services. She talked about her love of family and her love of Christ. It's comforting to know she is in God's hands. Diana skelton
September 9, 2010
Judy and I were saddened to hear of Susan's death. We were members of the Brittingham extended family and think fondly on those years. Jimmy, we would love to hear from you. Much love to you all, Judy and Wayne Evans. [email protected]
Janice & Chip Woolard
September 8, 2010
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Miss Susan's death. She was a wonderful,caring and beautiful person. Her home was our daughters' "2nd home" as she stayed with her from birth to age 6. Jennifer and Robin, you also helped to raise our daughter,Megan and she loved being with the 3 of you very much.We are keeping you close in our hearts and prayers. Miss Susan will live on forever in the lives of all the children she helped raise.
Brenda Reid
September 8, 2010
Jennifer and Robin. You may not remember me, I'm Cindi Driver Hodges' mother. I'm so sorry to learn about your mother's passing. She was such a sweet and jolly lady. I really enjoyed when I worked with her with the Band Boosters at F.H.S. I'll be thinking of you. Brenda Reid (Newport News)
Mary Ann Collins
September 8, 2010
Words cannot express the sadness my husband and I felt upon learning of Susan's sudden illness and death. Together we were part of a "Dinner and a Movie" group of ladies who enjoyed each other's company every few months.
I can't imagine how we are going to feel the next time we try to get together without Susan. It won't be the same. I know she was a woman of faith, and I hope the family will be comforted by the knowledge that she is now in the arms of a loving God. We will miss her very much.
September 8, 2010
Jennifer and Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. She gave so much to all the families she touched. I never saw anyone with so much love, patience and even discipline given to so many in such a special way.
Ms. SuSu as my grandson Tyler called her was a guiding light within our family. We shared many good times at Tyler's birthday parties and other family occasions. It always amazed me at the birthday parties how all the kids reacted to her when she walked in the room. They swarmed to her like bees on honey. She truly gave so much to everyone who knew her.
It gave me so much peace knowing Tyler and then Brayden were in her care. You taught all of us so much about love and patience for all of your little ones.
You will be missed by so many but, never forgotten. Your wisdom, love and caring ways will live on in so many young lives.
Ann Cobb
September 8, 2010
Jennifer and Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. She gave so much to all the families she touched. I never saw anyone with so much love, patience and even discipline given to so many in such a special way.
Ms. SuSu as my grandson Tyler called her was a guiding light within our family. We shared many good times at Tyler's birthday parties and other family occasions. It always amazed me at the birthday parties how all the kids reacted to her when she walked in the room. They swarmed to her like bees on honey. She truly gave so much to everyone who knew her.
It gave me so much peace knowing Tyler and then Brayden were in her care. You taught all of us so much about love and patience for all of your little ones.
You will be missed by so many but, never forgotten. Your wisdom, love and caring ways will live on in so many young lives.
Henry, Susan, and Austin Flippo
September 7, 2010
Robin and Jennifer, we are so saddened to hear of Susan's passing. "Ms. Susan" took such great care of Austin from when he was 2 years old to when he went to 6th grade. She was his 2nd mother. She taught me, as a mother, so much about parenting. She had the patience of a saint. We will keep you both in our prayers.
Vickie Gwynn
September 6, 2010
Robin and Jennifer, I saw you both grow into beautiful young women, and know it was because of your Mom. She was truly a beautiful spirit. I first felt the loss of your mom, when the for sale sign went up. We've been on Lisa Drive for 19 years, and had the pleasure of your mom baby sitting for both of our daughters. She was the keeper of the spare house key, and was able to let Alex in on more than one occasion. Erika still talks about playing in the pool in Miss Susie's back yard. She was always the perfect hostess at her annual neighborhood Holiday gathering. She will truly be missed.
Carly Reader
September 6, 2010
I cannot find the words to express how important Ms. Susan was to our family. I am so blessed to have known her and touched by her kindred spirit. She taught me more about parenting than any book could. She always put others first and took such wonderful care of my daughter, Ashlyn. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Jennifer and Robin~Your mother was an amazing woman!! I am so sorry for your tremendous loss!!
Amy Mayer
September 6, 2010
I don't have the words to express how important Miss Susan has been to my family. She helped me through 2 very rough times in my life and made a huge impact on both of my children. I thank God for putting her in my path. My prayers are with you, Jennifer and Robin. Thank you so much for sharing your mother with all of us!!
~Amy Mayer
Christian and Paul
Michelle Ellis
September 6, 2010
Miss Susan what an amazing friend you were to me. I don't even know where to begin. I never had to worry about Tyler or Brayden when they were with you. Tyler still talks about Miss SuSu and all the things you taught him. He loves you so much and misses you to. I am going to miss our talks; you were there for me in such a difficult time in my life and I will never forget that. You were always the life of the party and just lit up a room with your presence. To know you is to love you and we love you very much.
Jennifer and Robin: you have such an amazing Mom. Everyone loved her and she will be missed. You are such amazingly strong women just like her. I pray for you and your families.
Marla Clancy
September 6, 2010
Jennifer & Robin, your mother was one of the most amazing women that I know. God blessed her with so many gifts. Her patience, creativity, and her ability to just say the things that needed to be said, but in a loving way, are just a few of the things that I will miss most about her. I will miss our jewelry discussions, her child-rearing advice, and just talking to her. She was amazing! And she will be missed by all who were blessed enough to be around her.
Cheryl Burnham Nicholas
September 6, 2010
To all of the family of Susan, my thoughts and prayers go to all of you in your loss. Susan and I went to Warwick High together, and my fondest memories of her were a smile and hello to everyone she saw. She was a remarkable lady and will truly be missed.
Elizabeth Arnett
September 6, 2010
I knew Susan from Sunday 8am services at St Andrews. She was always full of life and excited to see everyone. She was a very special lady and one I'll always treasure as a friend. I will miss her but I know where she is and I will see her again. May GOD give you peace and know that HE loves you.
With love to you all,
Carleen Hickey
September 6, 2010
Jennifer, Robin and family,
Miss Susan was so special to me and my family. My girls, Jillian and Allison loved her so much as did I! She will always hold a special place in our heart and will never be forgotten. She was like a second mom to me and loved my girls like they were her own. In part, they are who they are today because of your mom. She shared my oldest daugther's birthday, which was always so special. We will miss her so much, but I know she is in heaven now dancing with the angels.
We love you, Miss Susan and will miss you dearly!!
Marsha Taylor Rew
September 5, 2010
For all of Susan's family, my family and Susan's spent time in the summers many years ago at cottages at Buckroe Beach. We cherish those times and remember Susan as a wonderful girl. Jim and Joyce, we are especially thinking of you at this time.
Jennifer Manry
September 5, 2010
To my dear mom - we love you and miss you more than you will ever know. I am taking great comfort in seeing you in everything around me. I love you and always will.
Tiffany Crowe
September 5, 2010
Susan, or as my son remembers her as "Miss SuSu" was an amazing woman. She was such a blessing to find to watch Jordan when he was young. She will be missed. As my mom said I'm sure she is helping with the young ones in heaven now.
jan morgan
September 5, 2010
Your mom and I shared the same birthday and I knew her from Colony pool days and St. Andrew's days. I always admired her energy-from taking care of my sister's children to having the time to do her beloved crafts. I fondly remember her at the last Poquoson seafood festival! What a wonderful mom and person she was. My heartfelt condolences to one who left us too soon. jan morgan
Dorothy & Bob Comeau
September 5, 2010
Robert,Karen and all those who loved Susan. May the Lord give you peace. Remember, she is in a wonderful place now and she is happy.
love,
Dorothy and Bob Comeau
Pat Martin
September 5, 2010
Girls, I was sad when I read about your Mom in today's paper. Jim, Cara, and I were neighbors on Lisa Drive and have lots of great memories of your Mom and you two. She was one of the warmest and welcoming women and will be missed by all who knew her.
James Morris
September 5, 2010
Jennifer and Robin, Im am sorry to hear about your mother, my prays are with the both you God bless and i will never forget the wonderful times we all shared. Love you both J.H. Morris
September 5, 2010
I was in shock when I read the paper this morning. I just saw Susan and she as always looked the picture of health with her penetrating smile and bubbly walk. I grew up on Westover and knew her as a child as well as the family. I am so sorry and will miss her.
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