Susan A. Bemis

Susan A. Bemis of Mars, PA passed away on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025 in the comfort of her home.
Sue was born in Jaffrey, NH on August 14, 1943 to Gerold and Thelma (Burgoyne) Bemis.
She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Botany and earned her Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Buffalo. Four years later she received her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Bemis started her career as a Physical Therapist in San Francisco and was later hired as Director of Physical Therapy programs at the Medical College of Georgia. She was the accrediting director at the University of New England in Maine, Gannon University in Erie, and Chatham University in Pittsburgh. She retired from Walsh University in North Canton, OH in 2010 after developing their D.PT program. Dr. Bemis worked clinically in a number of situations throughout her career and had a special interest in the evaluation of work tolerance and work capacity, as well as rehabilitation programs involving work hardening.
She was a prolific writer, author of two textbooks, an accomplished researcher, and a dynamic teacher.
She was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish at St. Kilian Church in Cranberry Twp.
This synopsis of Sue's life fails to capture her larger than life personality, her feistiness, her many achievements and abilities outside of her career, her loyalty and support for her family, her love for her canine kids, or how much she will be missed.
She leaves behind her spouse, Roberta A. "Robi" Rowan, who she married on June 8, 2014, their sons – Brandon Rowan and Richard Rowan of Mars, her sister - Judie Shaw of Arizona, her nephews – Scott Bemis (Jing) of California, Dwight Shaw (Ruth) of Washington, Barry Shaw (Gail) and Tim Shaw (Jan) of Arizona, sisters-in-law – Pamela Eckberg of Erie and Virginia Rowan of Saxonburg, and a brother-in-law – Mark Rowan (Roslyn) of Pittston, PA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Wayne Bemis, and brother-in-law, Timothy Rowan.
The family will greet friends from 3-4 PM at St. Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 PM with Fr. Charles Bober, pastor, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 E. Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511. Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc., 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.