Suzanne W. Goorland

Suzanne W. Goorland, age 86, of Wilmington, passed away on Wednesday September 27, 2017.

Suzanne is survived by her children Rachel K. Goorland (Deborah Pisan) and David R Goorland (Tracy Goorland), five grand-children, her cat Pete, and at last count three dogs. She loved, loved, loved her cat Pete, whom she stole from her daughter. She was predeceased by her parents, Abraham and Gertrude Weiss, her sister Millicent Finkel, and her beloved husband, Louis G. Goorland. Suzanne outlived most of her friends because she took such good care of herself. Lou often warned her about the pitfalls of healthy living.

Born in 1931 on the lower East Side of Manhattan, Suzanne came to Wilmington, Delaware when she was 10 years old. After graduating from Wilmington High School in 1949 Suzanne worked as a bookkeeper for Pusey & Jones Shipyard, a job she loved. Sue was scheduled to go on a blind date with Alan Goorland, but his twin brother Lou showed up instead. On their second date Lou bought her a pair of alligator pumps and Suzanne fell instantly in love. Married on April 11, 1954, Suzanne and Lou were together for 51 years until his death in 2005.

Suzanne was the quintessential homemaker. She loved her children and her husband and was happiest taking care of her family. She was also active in B’nai B’rith Women serving as President from 1967-1968. After raising her children, Suzanne returned to the workforce in 1980, first as a bookkeeper at Salesianum High School and then in 1985 alongside her husband at Goorland & Mann, retiring in 2010. She loved going to the Jersey shore and to the Delaware beach and travelling all over the world with her husband. She especially loved going to New York City to see Broadway shows with her dear friend Martha Holliday and to the Metropolitan Opera House with Michelle Harrell, whom she considered a second daughter, and her husband Doug. She loved to exercise and went to the Preventive Medicine Rehabilitation Institute five days a week. She also attended The Academy of Lifelong Learning. Suzanne lived a full life surrounded by an abundance of love and will be remembered by the kindness and love she extended to others.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gail Palmer, who was Suzanne’s primary caregiver, as well as Progressive Health of Delaware, Carpe Vita Home Care of Delaware and Vitas Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to one of Suzanne’s favorite charities; The Limen House of Delaware, PO Box 1306, Wilm., DE 19899, West End Neighborhood House, 710 N. Lincoln St. Wilm.,DE 19805 or The Ministry of Caring, 115 E.14th St., Wilm, DE 19801.