Susan C. Houser

Susan Callahan Houser, 66, a long-time resident of West Chester, PA, passed away in her home on November 20, 2019.

Susan was born in December 1952 at the U.S. Naval Base in San Diego, CA to Edward and Nancy Callahan. Growing up, she enjoyed summers in Coldwater, MI surrounded by her family and loving sister, Sarah, and winters in Columbus, OH with her family, friends and fellow Upper Arlington bandmates. An Ohio Buckeye to the core, she always dreamed of playing the clarinet in the Ohio State University marching band. However, a different path brought her to Wilmington, DE in 1970 with the Callahan family. As a 1971 graduate of Brandywine High School, she went on to the University of Delaware, and graduated in 1975.

While at U of D, she met her future husband, best friend and love of her life, Bob. They married on June 26, 1976 and tackled the amazing adventures of life together in their 43-year marriage. Also at U of D, she began her 30-year teaching career, retiring in 2010 from P.S. du Pont Elementary. Her proudest achievements in life include inspiring thousands of students, raising three industrious daughters, being “Grammom” to her six amazing grandchildren and most recently, Amazon Shopper Extraordinaire. Outside of her family, her loves in life included spending time in Fenwick Island, DE, taking pleasure in counted cross stitch and coloring, participating in musical theater, enjoying dinner and laughs at Giordano’s and always extending her heart to others through meaningful gestures.

On May 29, 2019, Sue received the Gift of Life and became a heart transplant recipient, allowing her six more months of time with family and friends, which they are forever grateful. And through the ups and downs of recovery, her faith in God and her medical team never wavered.

Sue is survived by her loving husband Robert Houser of West Chester, PA; her daughters Liz (Greg) Simeone of West Grove, PA, Sarah (Randall) Siok of Lewes, DE, Jennifer (Peter) Wilson of Wilmington, DE; six grandchildren Andrew, Samantha, Charlotte (Simeone), Patrick and James (Wilson), Callie (Siok); her sister Sarah (Elliott) Simon of Colleyville, TX and daughters Michelle (Chris) de Haro and Nicole Simon; her brother in-law Mike (BJ) Houser and children Mitchell (Megan) Houser and Heather (Isaac) Mulvihill.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or Gift of Life at www.giftoflife.org

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Funeral Services

The visitation will be Tuesday, November 26, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike in Wilmington. The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wilmington. Interment will be private.

Condolences

Meghan Wilson lit a candle and writes,

Mrs. Houser was the best 6th grade math teacher! She will be missed greatly.

11/22/2019 11:30 am

NANCY GILBERT writes,

The world has lost the light of a caring soul. I will miss her humor, impulsivity, thoughtfulness, and brutal honesty. We had so many wonderful times together. Everytime I see a red winged blackbird, it reminds me of Tockwogh and Sue. I'm praying for you just like she would have wanted.

11/22/2019 11:52 am

Kathy lit a candle and writes,

Our college days were full of all night study sessions, singing Harmony in the student lounge to Crosby Stills Nash and Young. Her love and laughter will make me smile whenever I think of her. Heaven has a new angel....she was one of a kind. Love you, Callahan.

11/22/2019 11:55 am

Jill Mckinney lit a candle and writes,

Bill and I had the pleasure of first meeting Sue at Giordano's. It became like a little family place.Sue always was showing me pictures of her grandchildren what a proud Grandmom she was. What a strong fighter she was through out all that she went through.I know God was with her every step and welcomed her home with open arms.Our sincerest condolences and love to her beautiful family. All of her sweet memories will always remain in our hearts.She will be missed by so many people that loved her.God Bless and thinking of all of you at this very difficult time. Love, Jill McKinney

11/22/2019 12:00 pm

Logan Worsh writes,

Bob,Jen and Pete, Condolences from the entire Worsh Family. Your Family is in our thoughts.

11/22/2019 12:06 pm

Michael May lit a candle and writes,

Bob, So sorry to hear this sad news. Be well. All the Houser’s are in our prayers. Michael, Lissette, Thomas and Ryan May

11/22/2019 12:13 pm

Susan Reilly Day lit a candle and writes,

Sue was a lifetime friend, having met as freshmen at the University of Delaware in 1971. She will always have a special place in my heart.

11/22/2019 12:25 pm

Matthew Simeone lit a candle

11/22/2019 01:07 pm

Diane D. Partridge lit a candle and writes,

Sue always made the room much brighter when she walked through the door. I am confident she is doing the same today and bringing much laughter to her new friends. We will miss her in our monthly book club meeting in Dover. She faced her heart issues with courage and determination. My thoughts are with her three lovely daughters, Bob, and her grandchildren as they face the loss of Sue. She loved you all very much and spoke of you often in our meetings. Rest in Peace Dear Lady. Diane D. Partridge

11/22/2019 01:38 pm

The Spence Family lit a candle and writes,

We were heartbroken to hear this news of your mom's passing. You know you are in out thoughts and prayers. She will be missed beyond measure but you have wonderful memories to help you carry on. The tears will take a long time to subside. If there is anything we can do to ease the pain, please ask. All our love, The Spences

11/22/2019 01:51 pm

Lynn and Ken Williams writes,

Sue was a wonderful woman, who inspired many. Her vibrant personality will be greatly missed.

11/22/2019 02:00 pm

Donna and John Bell writes,

Sue was a positive force at PS duPont. I always appreciated her sense of humor and her sage advice. Sue will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Donna and John Bell

11/22/2019 02:33 pm

Ann Albosta lit a candle and writes,

Sue was always the most up-beat person in the room. She brought laughter and fun wherever she went and was always part of the behind scenes work too. She worked very hard every year to make Tockwogh successful and more importantly meaningful to every child who attended. She was a task master as well as a softy for that child who needed a hug. Sue was a great friend when you needed one and always a volunteer for the cleanup committee. We had the very best Christmas parties at Houser’s beautiful, inviting home because Bob and Sue were a great team and super entertainers. Sue affected every edge of her world and will be missed beyond her wildest dreams.❤️

11/22/2019 05:11 pm

Sarah Simon lit a candle and writes,

My big sister has gone to be with our parents and I miss her so much already. There are many sweet memories of our childhood and we had some wonderful adventures as adults. We became even closer friends as our parents passed out of our lives. I loved her fun positive spirit and great sense of humor. My heart breaks for Bob, their three amazing daughters and their families. We will all miss the love we felt from her and wish her time here with us could have been longer. Thanks for all the support and loving messages from her many friends... ❤️ Sarah (Callahan) Simon

11/22/2019 06:17 pm

Linda James lit a candle

11/22/2019 08:51 pm

Diana Jones lit a candle and writes,

I’m so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful life she lived! I will be keeping you all in my prayers. <3

11/22/2019 09:23 pm

Jillian Randolph lit a candle and writes,

Sue, I will miss our talks and your witty sense of humor. You always knew how to tell a joke and get the punch line right every time. Your hugs and your selfless love for everyone around you is what I will remember the most about you. Thank you for being a friend to me and always caring so deeply for my family. All my love, Jill (Steve & Simone)

11/23/2019 12:26 pm

Vanessa Hart writes,

I had the pleasure of meeting Sue through her sister Sarah. I will miss her funny jokes she would text me. She was a special person that will be missed by all.

11/23/2019 03:38 pm

Ruth Houser lit a candle and writes,

I loved Sue like a sister who always made sure I was part of family activities after losing mine. Forever grateful and storming heaven for her recovery with all my friends here in Florida. This would be the first Thanksgiving in 2 years and we texted excitedly about being with each other, trimming Christmas trees and baking chocolate cakes! My comfort is that she is glowing in everlasting life and warmly welcomed by many friends and family. I will miss her greatly.

11/23/2019 03:42 pm

Joan galli lit a candle and writes,

Richard and I became part of the friends/family At Giordanos. We loved meeting sue and bob For dinners and sharing stories of family, and work. She is truly a Specual lady , generous, kind, and compassionate. She loved showing pictures of her grandchildren and she was so proud of her daughters. They were her life. We will miss her. We know she’s in Gods arms and now resting in peace. Gods speed our friend

11/23/2019 07:18 pm

Rich and Ann Marie Petillo writes,

We loved Sue so so so much!! She was always so thoughtful and kind. We considered her part of our family! We will miss her so much!! God now has a special angel by his side. Bob and the whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.

11/23/2019 07:42 pm

Kathy Rineer ,Lisa Kauffman writes,

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sue was such a beautiful person. She will be missed by all of us. Kathy and Lisa.

11/23/2019 08:55 pm

Nancy Inter Denney writes,

Dear Bob, Liz, Sarah, and Jen, I am so sorry that your wonderful wife and mother is no longer able to be with you. I hope that in time you will find comfort in your memories and the legacy that Sue has left behind in you and your families. My heart goes out to you at this terribly sad time.

11/24/2019 09:33 pm

Linda Hughes lit a candle and writes,

Bob and family, sending our condolences to you and your family. I am devastated to learn of this news and praying that God will ease your pain through her beautiful memory

11/25/2019 07:12 am

Jacalyn hamilton lit a candle and writes,

I only knew sue for a short time but in that short time I could tell that she was such a kind soul. Her and bob always made people laugh and I know she will be missed by many!

11/25/2019 11:00 am

Rick Sund lit a candle and writes,

Dear Jen,Bob and all family.You know me from Harry's.I want to express my sincere condolences,and my personal sorrow in reading that Susan had passed away. Bob,Susan and Jen were always so kind to me. My love to you Rick Sund

11/25/2019 02:22 pm

Okemah Strickland lit a candle and writes,

Sue was one of the most caring people I have ever met I’m so blessed to have had the privilege to know her so many years. She loved her family soooo much and of. Coarse we never stop talking about our grand children lol I will miss her smile and humor she will never be forgotten see her in the other side.😇😇😇😇

11/25/2019 03:10 pm

Okemah Strickland lit a candle and writes,

Well there is so much to say about sue have known her forever and she will be missed so much.she was one of the kindest people I ever met and loved her family sooooi much. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy we enjoyed sharing memories and pictures I will miss her 🙏🏻🙏🏻😇😇

11/25/2019 03:54 pm

Patricia M. Seramone lit a candle and writes,

What can't you say about this devoted wife, wonderful mother and teacher extraordinaire. She never let a birthday or special moment slip without sending kind words. I will truly miss those surprise messages and gestures of kindness that made her so special to anyone and everyone she touched. She was an amazing woman. ❤

11/25/2019 07:22 pm

Steve Adams writes,

I new Susan from Upper Arlington High School. Exactly 50 years ago we were boyfriend/girlfriend. Band, choir,Oklahoma musical were things that drew us together. I was a senior, Susan was a junior. I lost touch with her after I graduated and she moved to Delaware with her family. Through mutual friends here in Columbus, I was just recently, after her heart transplant, able to renew a 50 year old, long distance, friendship. Thought of her many times. I hope I was able this last month or so to be able to stir some wonderful memories for Susan. I know she did for me. I am so so sad that she passed. We talked several times about family, grand kids, how our lives were amazingly parallel. The Houser family is extremely blessed to have had her in their lives. Rest In Peace, dear Susan, I will miss you, 🙏😢 Steve.

11/25/2019 10:40 pm

Al Madaline writes,

Sue was one of the finest teachers I had the pleasure of knowing. Her care and kindness to everyone was just one of many attributes that made her a very special person both in and out of the classroom. I am proud and saddened for the loss of a great teacher and dear friend. 😢

11/26/2019 07:48 am

Dave and Nancy Press writes,

Bob Dave and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Sue. What a lovely lady Sue was. Meeting her for the first time was like talking to an old friend. It was always such a pleasure; she was so interesting, fun and ALWAYS up beat! With Sue it was always about others, not herself. We will miss seeing her at Giordano’s. Dave and Nancy Press

11/26/2019 10:31 am

Roxane Leary

11/26/2019 12:42 pm

Celia, Eddie and Athena Valdespino writes,

Eddie, Athena and Celia send their condolences to the entire Houser family. We miss you Ms. Sue, you were an incredible woman, mother, teacher, grandmother and friend. We will always remember the amazing memories we had together down at the beach in Fenwick Island. Sending all of our love to the entire family.

11/26/2019 02:44 pm

JoEllen Cain writes,

It was a beautiful celebration of a beautiful life. Our prayers are with you all. JoEllen, Chris, and Nathaniel

11/27/2019 05:17 pm

Jeff Oliver writes,

Absolutely a wonderful lady! Rest In Peace!

11/27/2019 05:21 pm

Wayne and Barbara Bishop writes,

We are so sorry to hear this news. We had many fun times with Bob & Sue at the University of Delaware. We also had fun after graduation, while Sue always proudly talked about her teaching school and family.

11/28/2019 11:33 am

Wayne and Barbara Bishop lit a candle and writes,

We are so sorry to hear this news. We had many fun time with Bob & Sue at the University of Delaware. We also had fun after graduation, while Sue always proudly talked about her teaching school and family. s

11/28/2019 11:39 am

Valene Irons lit a candle and writes,

Sue was filled with such humor making one laugh when it was not her intention. It was simply natural. I taught with Sue for five years at P.S. duPont before transferring to another school and will always remember how I so enjoyed her presence. A genuine spirit.

11/29/2019 05:55 pm

Rose Mattei writes,

Bob, I am so sad to see that Susan passed away. She was a tower of strength, fun and always doing for everyone. I will miss her visits to the office, her laugh and great smile. May she Rest In Peace and may you and your family find peace in all your fond memories. With sympathy and prayers, Rose (Cutrona)Mattei

12/03/2019 06:21 pm

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