Obituaries
Susan Frances Kessler Danforth, 90
September 13, 2021
Susan Frances Kessler Danforth, 90, of Willow Valley Communities, Lancaster, and formerly of Strasburg Township, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of the late Charlotte W. Shaw and State Senator Edward J. Kessler. She was the wife of Theodore S. Danforth, who passed away May 1989.
Sue was a 1947 graduate of Manheim Township High School. She attended Oberlin College in Ohio for three years, where she met her husband and returned to Lancaster to be married when he entered law school. After her children were all in school, she worked as a reading support tutor for the Lampeter-Strasburg School District. She was then employed for 35 years by MidPenn Legal Services and retired in 2011 as a paralegal and coordinator of the Bar Association’s Volunteer Attorney Program. The Lancaster Bar Association established the Susan K. Danforth Award for law firms, honoring their pro bono contributions. In 1986 she was a nominee for the Jefferson Award, and in 2010 received the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Award for her many years of service.
Sue was a lifelong lover and rescuer of farm, domestic, and wild animals and shared her later life with many cats. She was a tireless advocate for people in need as well. Her home was open to all and a haven for many. She was a volunteer at the Strasburg Heritage Society summer event, as well as a founding member of the Strasburg Swimming and Recreation Association, and served on the school district’s PTAs. For many years, she was a director of the West Lampeter Community Fair and chaired the children’s pet show committee. She loved Halloween, courted trick-or-treaters, and marched in the annual Strasburg parade until she could no longer walk the route. She grew beautiful perennial flowers and was an enthusiastic and excellent cook, who loved Mexican food and Latin music. Always an athlete by nature, she enjoyed aerobic dance classes into her 70s. She and her family treasured vacations in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and especially in Little Compton, RI, where she had family ties dating back centuries. She was defined by her non-judgmental character and unfailing sense of humor.
Sue is survived by her five children, Teresa Danforth wife of Eric Rathey of Lampeter, Georgia Townsend partner of Ronald Madar of Columbia, Theodore Danforth, Jr. husband of Andrea Stevens of North Yarmouth ME, Holly Vugia wife of Duc of Orinda, CA, and Laurel Hershey of Coudersport; ten grandchildren, Toni Vought, Zachary Hershey, Matthew Danforth, Benjamin Danforth, Madeline Rathey, Sabrina Feeley, Mai-Lan Vugia, Alexander Hershey, Tai Vugia, and Azhar Danforth; seven great-grandchildren; her sister Hester Wheelon of Greenville, SC, as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and her last companion cat Gary. In addition to her husband, Susan was preceded in death by her sister Charlotte Briggs and her son-in-law Philip Hershey.
The family would like to thank Sue’s caregivers and friends at the Manor and the Glen at Willow Valley for their years of devoted attention. Special gratitude for her buddy Reggie. The family also thanks the staff of the LGH Orthopedic wing for their medically exceptional and tender care in her last days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, P. O. Box 38, Washington Boro, PA 17582, http://ravenridgewildlifecenter.org, or the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on Friday, October 1, 2021, at the Bachman Snyder Funeral Home, 7 S. Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA 17579. Family and friends will be received from 10AM until the time of service. Due to the COVID pandemic, the family requests that all those in attendance wear masks. Interment will be private.
Due to connectivity problems, the funeral service will not be Livestreamed and instead a link will appear shortly after the service on the Obituary page where the full service can be viewed. Apologies for any inconvenience. Condolences can be left online on the Obituary page.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 04, 2021
I knew Sue from years of working with her at Central PA Legal Services (predecessor of MidPenn L.S.). Sue was a powerhouse of a woman who lived her values; a master negotiator who never gave up; and a fierce proponent for people who have been neglected by our society. The good she did and the example she set are legacies that will live on.
Susan Wood
October 01, 2021
This is Chris Hausner, and I am so sorry to have missed Sue’s Celebration of Life. I met Sue when I was a (relatively) young lawyer in private practice and over a period of several years we discussed many non-legal topics when she called me to ask me to take on pro bono cases. One year I received a commendation for doing a number of those pro bono matters – which would never have happened if it weren’t for Sue. She brought out the best in people. A delightful person. My condolences to all.
Christina Hausner
October 01, 2021
Danforth family- I enjoyed watching the tribute video. Hope to watch live feed soon. So sorry to learn about your Mother’s passing. We hope to see Aunt Hessie next week if her home is not on lockdown due to Covid! Love to all, Kathy Briggs Beres
October 01, 2021
To Sue’s family – I am so sorry that I cannot be there this morning. I knew Sue through Mid-Penn Legal Services while I was working as a secretary for attorney and then Judge Leslie Gorbey. I always loved talking to Sue about our hometown of Strasburg and her family and her cats. I have missed her kind spirit and loving voice. Love and hugs to all of you at this time. Tammy Martin
September 26, 2021
I only knew of Sue as a kind neighbor who thrilled the kids and parents at Halloween by having excellent treats, and dressing/costuming to fit the occasion. The neighborhood critters benefitted from her loving care, as well. Her kind heart was evident, even in short chance encounters. After reading her obituary, it is clear that I missed the opportunity to spend more time with an amazing woman. I know that her family will miss her dearly, but will have warm memories for comfort.
September 24, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I have thousands of fond memories of Sue over the years.
Through her efforts, she helped so many. Alaien Grbach
September 21, 2021
Sue was one of the best people I had the pleasure to meet. I was her maid at Willow Valley Manor for many years and she always had me laughing, she was definitley one of a kind. She loved to open the door with a Halloween mask on when it was that time of the year. I will never forget her. My condolences to the family on such a great loss of a wonderful woman. May she Rest In Peace.💜 Sue Vandegriff
September 19, 2021
Ted and Family:
Condolences to you on the loss of your Mother.
-Chuck Simmons LS Class of 1973
September 18, 2021
This is for dear Terry/ Waffles & Ted. Kathleen Shenk Haddad. Your amazing Mom was so pretty!!….. And in her being and face seemed a little wild joy. She seemed like she would do as she thought best– in any situation– and not as she may be expected to be or do or perform in some sort of societal role. What-Loss
Kathleen Shenk Haddad
September 17, 2021
This is Joyce Nettke. I am writing to send sympathy to Terry, Waffle, Teddy, Holly and Laurel, all whom I knew when you were young and kept track of you in later years through talking with Sue. Also to Madeline – I know you were such a mainstay for your grandmother. And all the family I haven’t met.
I will not be at the services on October 1, but I have stories reflecting Sue’s well-known sense of humor, and perhaps I can share some of them with you in the future. She really brightened up life for everyone that she was around, and, with enviable patience and compassion helped many many people.
Sue was a great friend and a fine person. I loved her dearly.
- Visitation
- Friday, October 01, 2021
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Bachman Snyder Funeral Home
- 7 S. Decatur Street
- Strasburg, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, October 01, 2021
- 11:00 AM
- Bachman Snyder Funeral Home
- 7 S. Decatur Street
- Strasburg, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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