Susan Kirchner "Susie" Hochman

1949 - 2023

Hochman, Susan Kirchner "Susie"

74 of St. Louis, MO passed away peacefully at her home in Clayton on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Susie was born in 1949 to Marguerite Shaub Kirchner and Bernard Cletus Kirchner in Lancaster, PA. After moving to New Jersey and then to Geneva, Illinois during her childhood, she went to college at St. Louis University where she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Hochman. The two lived in St. Louis, surrounded by loving family and friends, for the entirety of their 54 year marriage.

Susie was passionate, enthusiastic, and effervescent. A lover of design, art, and craft, she was creative and curious. She never shied away from a challenge and threw her whole self into everything she did. When she worked in vintage clothing, she studied Japanese to better communicate with clients. She prepared assiduously for her beloved book club. She always looked impossibly chic whether in blue jeans, a Halloween costume, or a cocktail dress. In Susie's presence, everyone felt seen and heard. She was generous with her sparkling smile and her joy was contagious. Susie loved to celebrate with family and friends. She was also a great listener and compassionate and present friend, mother, grandparent, sister, and wife. Her table was the most welcoming place to share a meal, stories, laughter, and empathy.

Susie is survived by her husband and constant companion, Jeffrey Louis Hochman; her children Jessica Lee and Jules B. and his wife Erica Wood Hochman; her grandchildren Ella Leigh Hochman, Hadley Ryan Hochman, Mirabelle Rose Threadgold, Evy Rose Hochman, and S. Brooks Hochman; her sister Marcia Anne Kirchner, and her siblings by marriage Jere Irving Hochman and his wife Josette Del Priore Hochman, and Janet Hochman Ness and her husband Christopher Ness.

Services: Visitation Wednesday, June 28th, 11:00 a.m. at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Blvd, followed by memorial service at 12:00 Noon. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. For more information about Susie, visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/susiespretzeljar

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to National Jewish Hospital or Barnes Jewish Hospital Hospice, whose compassionate care made such a difference to Susie and her family.