Susan Elizabeth Sentz

Susan Elizabeth Sentz, 43, Shillington, died of natural causes Jan. 21, 2009, in her residence.

She was the partner of Mark Bankemper, Shillington.

Born in West Reading on Oct. 20, 1965, she was a daughter of Frank C. Sentz Jr. and Ann (Messersmith) Sentz, Lower Heidelberg, Township.

She was a graduate of Wilson High School and a graduate of Penn State University. In 1990, Sue graduated from Kutztown University with a master's degree in counseling/psychology.

She was a Pennsylvania licensed professional counselor. She co-established the Birch Hill Counseling Center in Leesport. Since 1996, Sue was employed by various nonprofit counseling services in Berks County with her last employment at Alternative Counseling Enterprises in Shillington.

She got great pleasure in helping people through counseling. Her women's group, spirituality and gathering activities, along with holistic healing techniques were very important parts of her life.

She enjoyed family activities, spending time at the beach and family cabin, and volunteering as an assistant Boy Scout leader.

Susan was a member of the Four Quarters Farm Church, Artemas.

In addition to her parents and partner, other survivors include a son, Wyatt Bankemper; and stepdaughters, Beth and Mariah Bankemper.

Other survivors include a sister, Elaine, wife of Mark Jackson, and their sons, William and Cooper.

A celebration of life tribute service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County, 416 Franklin St., Reading. Inurnment services will be private at the convenience of the family. Lamm & Witman Funeral Home Inc., Wernersville, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, PO Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540; the Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 N. 11th St., Reading, PA 19604; Berks Women In Crisis, 645 Penn St., Second Floor, Reading, PA 19610; or to the Four Quarters Farm Church, Artemas, PA.