Susan Beatrice Hochkins

Susie lived a life that blessed every person she met. Goodness simply flowed from her, surrounding everyone who knew her with love, kindness, and grace.

Proverbs 31:26 says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Those words describe Susie perfectly. Her faith was steadfast and unwavering. She lived in the Word of God, carried it with her throughout her life, and could quote countless passages of Scripture. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was something she lived. She shared it through her words, her actions, and the way she loved others.

Yet, we cannot think of Susie without hearing music.

The piano was her instrument of love. The grand piano given to her by her husband was her prized possession, and her home was almost always filled with music. Through her playing, she blessed everyone fortunate enough to listen. The piano seemed to be a mirror of Susie’s soul—a beautiful reflection of her faith, her joy, and the love she carried within her.

When a sweet melody of praise filled the room, when a beautiful symphony seemed to burst forth into the atmosphere, you were experiencing Susie as God created her to be. Her music was more than something she played; it was a gift she gave. It was her way of worshiping, of expressing her faith, and of sharing a piece of her heart with everyone around her.

While Susie gave generously to her church, her friends, and everyone she encountered, her family always came first.

She grew up in a family where life began and love never ended. She treasured the unending love she shared with her brothers and sisters, and some of her happiest moments were spent simply being together. Sundays were especially meaningful to her—not only because they brought her to church, but because they gave her the opportunity to gather with her siblings in fellowship, laughter, and love.

Susie shared a beautiful and enduring love with her husband, John, whom she was married to for 34 years. Together, they built a family and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Mary.

Susie was an extraordinary mother. She loved her daughters unconditionally and devoted herself to them, showing through her own life what a mother’s love could and should be. Her daughters were not only her children, but a source of immeasurable pride and joy.

And then came her grandchildren.

During the last seven years of her life, Susie found a new and endless joy in the arms of her three grandchildren. They brought light to her days and filled her heart with a love that words cannot adequately describe. They were among her greatest earthly gifts, and the love she had for them will live on through the memories they carry of their grandmother.

Susie leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years or accomplishments, but by the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. Her faith, her music, her kindness, and above all, her love for her family will continue to live on in those who were blessed to know her.

Susan will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

The world will not be the same without Susie. But Heaven has gained the loveliest of angels, and we can find comfort knowing that the woman who spent her life sharing God's love with others is now resting in His presence.

Until we meet again.