Born in Morristown and raised in Randolph, Sue moved to Andover during her senior year of high school. She completed her education at both Randolph High School and Newton High School, where she graduated.
Sue was a woman of many talents and passions. In her teenage years, she marched as part of “The Lucky Ladies Drum & Bugle Corps,” even performing in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Later, she took pride in owning and operating the Andover Garden & Gift Shop, a cherished space where her deep love for flowers, plants, and gardening came to life.
Throughout her life, Sue shared her warmth and creativity in many ways. She worked at Rudolph Research and Technology in electronics manufacturing. This is also where she met her husband, Herman. She also brought smiles to many as a baker and clerk at Lavanta Bagel in Sparta.
Sue was a proud and longtime member of the Sparta Women’s Bowling League, where she spent over 30 years perfecting her game and forming lifelong friendships during the Wednesday morning league. Her bowling league was like a second family to her.
A true artist at heart, she found great joy in painting, crocheting, wreath decorating, and creating stained glass pieces—each one a reflection of her vibrant spirit. Her zest for life could be seen in the little things she loved: music (primarily classic rock), a yummy turkey club at the Diner, a perfectly brewed Dunkin' iced coffee in hand, and the playful charm of her favorite characters, Betty Boop and Groot. Sue had fun trying her luck at the casino, and she loved going on cruises. Bermuda, in particular, held a special place in her heart.
But most of all, Sue’s heart belonged to her family. She will be lovingly remembered as an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother (Mom-Mom), sister, aunt, daughter and friend. She cherished every moment spent with her granddaughters, Evelyn and Abigail — spoiling them with love, gifts, and laughter every chance she got.
Sue was predeceased by her beloved parents, Allen and Marie (White) Hendershot, her sister-in-law, Sharon Hendershot, and her precious pooch Booger. She is survived by her devoted husband, Herman Konnecke; her children, Stephanie Gibbs and her husband Ted, Sarah Konnecke and her partner Matthew Stevens, and Zachary Konnecke and his partner Katie Thompson; her treasured granddaughters (her “Doll Babies”), Evelyn and Abigail Gibbs; her siblings, Al Hendershot, Ken Hendershot and his wife Margaret, and Paula Golembeski and her husband Tom.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue’s memory may be made to: The Morris County USBC (United States Bowling Congress) Scholarship Fund, checks mailed to: 18 Clove Rd, Hopatcong, NJ 07843 with “Donation in Sue’s Honor” in the memo -or- Kidney Transplant Department at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center: www.rwjbh.org/cooperman-barnabas-medical-center/giving/give-now
Private services will be held under the care of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home. Public Visitation/Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, April 27th from 12pm-4pm at Fables Restaurant at Fairy Tale Forest, 140 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.
Online condolences may be shared with the family below.
