Suzanne E. Benner
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Suzanne (Sue) Elizabeth Roderick Benner, 83, of Cochranville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 27, 2024. She was the beloved wife of Howard W. Benner, with whom she shared more than 52 years of marriage until his death in 2015. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Marcy F. and Greta Belshaw Roderick. Suzanne was a graduate of Nether Providence High School in Media PA, and later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Hygiene as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Sue retired after many years as a real estate agent with Beiler Campbell Realtors. Prior to that, she was employed as a dental hygienist in various positions including Octorara and Oxford School districts and several dental practices.
As a faithful member of the Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, Sue served at various times as Elder, Deacon, Trustee, and Sunday School Teacher, but the role that brought her the most joy was that of volunteer choir director, a position she held for more than 45 years. She also served the church at Presbytery, Synod, and National levels on a number of key committees and task forces. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Neighborhood Services, and Bridge of Hope.
Sue will be remembered for her remarkable ability to remember everyone she has ever met, and the importance that she placed on nurturing those relationships. She was an integral part of the reunion committees for Nether Providence High School, a group with which she has had close ties for over 60 years.
Suzanne is survived by 2 daughters: Joanne, wife of R. Patrick White of Harrisburg, PA ,and Amy Wade of Atglen, PA; 4 grandchildren: Alex and Sam White and Gretchen and Grace Wade; and one sister, Gretchen Walls of Glen Mills, PA.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 11 am at Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, 406 Main Street, Atglen, PA, 19310 with visitation from 9 am to 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Suzanne’s memory to either Penningtonville Presbyterian Church at the above address or to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA, 17604.
Condolences
Our condolences
Dear Amy and Joanne and your families. We offer our sincere condolences at the passing of your mother. I remember your parents when we were in High School and how wonderful they were. Your families are in our prayers to find healing during your time of grief. - Mark and Sandy
Sue Benner
Dear Amy, I just loved your mom. We had a great time on committee on preparation together. She was super smart and funny and compassionate and strong. You are a wonderful testimony to the courageous woman she was.
I felt a great pang to see
I felt a great pang to see Sue's passing, and also a flood of warm memories, of laughter and song.
It is curious and oddly apt that during these last few days I've had, going through my head, the song she had the choir sing so often after Easters, using those bittersweet and faithful words of Job:
"I know that my redeemer lives; and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth - and though my body be destroyed, yet in my flesh shell I see God."
She joins a great choir of those who have gone before, in an endless chorus of love.
Craig Wiley
Sue Bennet
Sincere condolences to Joanne and Amy on the passing of your mom
I will always remember your dad and mom and the wonderful example they set for all of us
God bless you and your families
Fond Memories
I am so sad to read of the death of your precious Mother Sue. What a lovely lady. We developed a friendship because your dad and I walked together at the "Y" in Jennersville every morning for many years. The three of us enjoyed many meals and Pops Concerts together. They spoke of you girls and your families often with immense pride. Your Mother and Father were Faithful Servants and left their mark on their community.
Sending my prayers,
Adeline...Miss Addie
Life in COM
Joanne and Amy, what sadness to read of your mother's passing. She shepherd me through my years preparing for ministry. She was a perfect choice for my journey. One of you, I have forgotten who, came to my ordination at St. John's in Devon. Life was a whirlwind after that. Just know your mother was her 'perfect' self as my companion. When needed, she bolstered my failing spirit and laughed at the incongruities of Presbytery life. We shared a lot of meals at the Park and Eat! She is a precious memory. Peace, Sherry