Susan B Hackett

Susan Margaret Blankner Hackett passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by love, generosity, and quiet strength. She was a nurturing wife, a devoted mother, an extremely proud Mimi, a New Smyrna Beach beauty, and a cherished family member, whose presence made people feel seen and cared for. Above all, Susan was a Beloved Child of God, and her faith guided the way she lived and loved.

Susan was born in Orlando, FL on October 14, 1949, the daughter of the late James Young Blankner and the late Margaret Patricia Fitzgerald Blankner. Upon graduation from Boone High School in Orlando, FL, she attended LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Susan was a sister of Kappa Delta sorority, Delta Chi Chapter and made lifelong friendships that forever touched her heart.

Susan enjoyed a highly successful career in banking with several financial institutions over many years in the Orlando and Tampa Bay area. It is there she met her fate, her forever love, William "Bill" Hackett.

Susan had a way of bringing warmth into every room. She showed her love through steady support, thoughtful gestures, and an unwavering commitment to the people she cared about. Susan radiated joy and unselfishly was the hands and feet of God. In Matthew 5:14-16 it states "be the light," and pure light she was. 

Family meant everything to Susan, and she took great pride in nurturing deep connections that lasted a lifetime. When she earned the title of Mimi, she found immense joy in her grandchildren and delighted in watching them grow, love, and laugh.

An eloquent writer, Susan captured the hearts of family and friends alike with her poignant and heartfelt notes, handwritten cards, moving speeches, and even in a quick text. She had a way of making simple words on paper read like love and a hug and human form.

An animal lover at heart, Susan had a deep compassion for all creatures and a special tenderness for pets, who were always part of her family. Her kindness extended effortlessly to both people and animals alike.

Susan is survived by the love of her life of 53 years, her husband, William "Bill" Roland Hackett; her two beautiful children, Brian Fitzgerald Hackett and Catherine Brooke Hackett Shamblen (David, "DJ"); her 3 beloved grandsons, Bryant (18), William Cole (15), and Callan David (8); her brother, James Young Blankner II (the late Susan); brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" Ward Hackett (Trish), sister-in-law, Peggy Hackett Todd (Alan): and numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, James Young Blankner and Margaret Patricia Fitzgerald Blankner; sister-in-law, Faye Hackett Chitty (surviving spouse Fred); and sister-in-law, Patty Hackett Arnold (Ramon).

Susan will be remembered her warmth, her resilience, and the compassion she extended so freely to others. Susan's legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the memories she created, and the love she leaves behind.

Susan will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Susan's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you continue spreading her light in her honor, through acts of kindness and love, just as she lived her life.