Obituary for Susan Olds Townsend
Written in loving memory of Susan Olds Townsend (age 74) of New Castle, DE, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend to so many. After a short but unflinching battle with pancreatic cancer, Susan passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 11, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.
Susan was born in Bryan, Ohio on July 25, 1947 to Clifton and Arline Olds. She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Townsend (Gunther); her son, Drew Townsend (Heeidy); grandson, Clark Townsend; brothers, Tom Olds (Alison), Clifton Olds (Karen); and nephews, Bryan Olds (James) and Sean Olds.
Sue was a resident of her beloved Old New Castle for more than 50 years, a member of both the New Castle Presbyterian Church and the New Castle Senior Center - always actively engaged in the community, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
She worked as a Speech Therapist for the Brandywine School District for 35+ years, and was a fierce advocate for all children, especially those in need. An unwavering “champion of the underdog”.
Both a student and teacher of Tai Chi, it brought her much joy to share this art with others.
She loved flowers, birds and butterflies. Her garden was her paradise, and sitting on the back porch, listening to the sounds of nature (and the occasionally passing trains), brought her endless hours of peaceful reflection.
She loved hosting brunches, dinners, and parties, and cherished her diverse group of friends. She was a touchstone, a connecting point across different communities and special interests.
Throughout her illness, she commented many times, and was deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from everyone surrounding her. One of the last thoughts she shared was, “I have so much.” Her strength during this time was a profound blessing. She has shown us the grace with which we can all strive to embrace eternity.
Inimitably, she never lost her sense of humor - defying trepidation and uncertainty with a chuckle, even in the dark hours. We imagine her already reunited with her mother, Arline, and shuffling the cards for a mean game of Kings in the Corner. And likely, she’s coaxed grandma to make up a batch of her famous potato salad. Mom was craving that for years.
Her memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, November 22, 2021, at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd Street, New Castle. A reception will follow. We know she would love for all of her friends to share and rejoice in her memory.
Susan was born in Bryan, Ohio on July 25, 1947 to Clifton and Arline Olds. She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Townsend (Gunther); her son, Drew Townsend (Heeidy); grandson, Clark Townsend; brothers, Tom Olds (Alison), Clifton Olds (Karen); and nephews, Bryan Olds (James) and Sean Olds.
Sue was a resident of her beloved Old New Castle for more than 50 years, a member of both the New Castle Presbyterian Church and the New Castle Senior Center - always actively engaged in the community, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
She worked as a Speech Therapist for the Brandywine School District for 35+ years, and was a fierce advocate for all children, especially those in need. An unwavering “champion of the underdog”.
Both a student and teacher of Tai Chi, it brought her much joy to share this art with others.
She loved flowers, birds and butterflies. Her garden was her paradise, and sitting on the back porch, listening to the sounds of nature (and the occasionally passing trains), brought her endless hours of peaceful reflection.
She loved hosting brunches, dinners, and parties, and cherished her diverse group of friends. She was a touchstone, a connecting point across different communities and special interests.
Throughout her illness, she commented many times, and was deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from everyone surrounding her. One of the last thoughts she shared was, “I have so much.” Her strength during this time was a profound blessing. She has shown us the grace with which we can all strive to embrace eternity.
Inimitably, she never lost her sense of humor - defying trepidation and uncertainty with a chuckle, even in the dark hours. We imagine her already reunited with her mother, Arline, and shuffling the cards for a mean game of Kings in the Corner. And likely, she’s coaxed grandma to make up a batch of her famous potato salad. Mom was craving that for years.
Her memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, November 22, 2021, at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd Street, New Castle. A reception will follow. We know she would love for all of her friends to share and rejoice in her memory.