Obituary of Susan Swihart

Susan F. Swihart, a remarkable soul of indomitable spirit, peacefully departed from this world on June, 2, 2023, in Parker, CO at the age of 92. Born on November 29, 1930, in Philadelphia she was the daughter of Rose Mankin and Harry Brecher.

Left to honor Susan’s memory are her daughters, Sally, Robin and Denise and her son, Robert. She was also a beloved grandmother to siblings Nick and Zach, Annelise and Rob, Justin and Hannah and great grandmother to baby Moss. Her son-in-law, Scott held a special place in her heart. Sally and Scott have adopted her cherished feline companion, Yum Yum and shower him with daily affection.

Susan’s artistic talents were a great source of pride and joy. She excelled in the use of oil paint, watercolors and ceramics, leaving behind a legacy of creations. Notably, she served as costume designer of Hull House Theater in Chicago, IL during the late 1960s. Susan’s dedication extended beyond the stage, as she oversaw a program that allowed high school students to take acting classes in exchange for their volunteer work backstage or in the office. Among her many accomplishments, she was instrumental to the success of the production of Harold Pinter’s, The Birthday Party at Hull House Theater in Chicago in1967.

As an enterprising spirit, Susan co-owned a thriving military surplus mail order business in the late 1970s. She was also the proprietor of an antique shop in Redondo Beach, CA in the 1990s. Her entrepreneurial endeavors developed her tenacity and determination.

Susan’s warmth and affection was punctuatedwith a sense of humor that carried her through life. She possessed an extraordinary ability to find positivity, even in life’s more difficult moments. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of her friends and family. She will be profoundly missed.