Barbara Anne Susen

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Barbara Anne Susen passed on June 13th, 2022. Ever brave and fierce, she fought valiantly to the end and inspired all with her unwavering resilience, strength, and spirit. She is survived by her three loving sons, Lee, Craig, and Chris.

Barby was born to Dr. Anthony Susen and Iris Susen on April 20th, 1952 in Winston Salem, NC. She grew up on a farm outside of Pittsburgh, PA with her older brother Paul and spent her time riding horses and raising hell with her friends Katie Mellgard and Karen Mansmann. She graduated from National Cathedral School in Washington, DC with the dream of studying engineering so that she could become an astronaut and joined the Navy with Karen through the buddy system. She was honorably discharged prior to the birth of her first son, Lee, who was followed 13 months later by Craig and then 13 months after that by Christopher. Barby and her boys moved home to Pennsylvania in the early 80s, and she pursued her passion for medicine as a registered nurse after graduating Summa cum Laude from Saint Francis College in Loretta, PA.

Barby was once again called to service in 1992 and joined the Air Force Nursing Corps as an officer. During her 23 years of active duty, she earned master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Business Administration, achieved special designations in Hyperbaric Nursing and Readiness and Training, and finished her military service as a Chief Nurse. Barby was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 2015 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with numerous commendations and service awards, and she will have a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery in recognition of her invaluable contributions to her country.

Barby retired to Waynesboro, VA and brought her formidable leadership and organizational skills to bear on a robust array of volunteer, church, and crafting endeavors. Warm recognition to her supportive community at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and her friends and neighbors for the love they provided through the various ups and downs of her post-retirement life and the care they gave for so much of her final illness that allowed Barby to remain at home with her beloved animals (affectionately known as her 4x4s).

In addition to her boys, Barby is survived by her brother, Paul; her seven grandchildren, Iris, Catherine, Murray, Noa, Elizabeth, Clare, and Colette; her Golden Retriever, Winnie; and her cats, Lily and Minnie.

Her service will be held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on June 18, 2022 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Augusta Regional SPCA and The Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com