Susan Gowing Saiter

Susan Gowing Saiter, the daughter of Florence and Mace Gowing of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania died October 11, 2023 at age 81. After attending primary schools in Swarthmore, she followed her sister Nance to Denison University in Granville, Ohio where she met her husband to be, Mark Saiter. Sue was a two-sport college athlete playing lacrosse and field hockey and was also a member of Denison’s Alpha Phi sorority. Sue graduated in 1964 with a degree in Physical Education.

Upon graduation, Sue and a close friend moved to Dallas, Texas where Mark was attending law school at Southern Methodist University. They married at the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church on August 28, 1965, and the reception followed at Sue’s parents’ house in Swarthmore. Sue and Mark returned to Dallas, where Sue taught physical education in the Dallas Independent School District and Mark finished law school.

As Mark settled into his legal career in Dallas, they bought their first house in Farmers Branch where Sue stayed active playing tennis, volunteering with the American Heart Association, her Alpha Phi Sorority, the Farmers Branch Women’s Club, the Manske Library Board and the Civic League. Whenever Sue got involved in an organization, she would ultimately end up running the show. It was just her nature.

Sue’s focus soon turned to raising their three kids: Rob, Cindy and Dave. Sue skillfully raised three very different kids and was present for all events, nurturing their individual strengths and interests. Sue was referred to as the “omnipresent mom” by her kids’ friends. Always so proud of her children, Sue’s friends knew of their every accomplishment, and likely many indiscretions. Sue’s kids always knew mom was in charge.

Every summer the family would spend time on Manitouana Island in Ontario, Canada with Sue’s parents, known to her kids as Gumpy and Gaga. The Island was originally owned by her Great Grandmother, and Sue grew up going to the Island every summer with her parents. Sue passed her love for the Island on to her kids and grandkids, who called her Grammy. Her kids and grandkids will forever cherish their memories spending part of their summers with Grammy on the Island. Sue enjoyed gardening, canoeing, fishing, picnicking on park islands, and the big family dinners in the dining porch followed by s’mores over a well-controlled camp fire.

The second house in Farmers Branch was all Sue. She saw the design in a Better Homes and Garden magazine and requested it by mail. She then picked out the lot and directed every decision, design and color choice. It was often referred to by friends as the “yellow house”—Sue’s favorite color.

Even after settling in Texas, Sue remained a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and shared her memories of listening to the games on the radio with her mom on the back porch of her Swarthmore home. If the Phillies had any idea of the power of Sue watching them from heaven this season, they would have won the World Series.

One of Sue’s favorite hobbies was quilting, stitching and needle work. Sue’s various stitching groups became some of her closest friends, and at least once a year would enjoy traveling to retreats together. Sue’s grandkids will remember her each year as they hang the hand-stitched Christmas ornaments she made with love for each of them every year.

Sue leaves behind her beloved husband Mark, having just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary; her kids Rob Saiter of Coppell, Texas and wife, Mary; Cindy Saiter of Austin Texas and fiancé, Abe Kuczaj; Dave Saiter of Midlothian, Texas and wife Tammy; as well as eleven grandchildren: Madeline Saiter and fiancé Dalton Harris, Brooke Saiter, Emma Saiter, Sam Saiter, Terra Baugh and daughter Evangelina, Tucker Baugh and wife Dipika, Riley Saiter, Lilliana Saiter, Harrison Saiter, Mac Connolly, and Jessie Connolly.

Please join us to celebrate Sue at Brookhaven County Club, 3333 Golfing Green Drive, Farmers Branch, Texas on November 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Sue’s honor may be made online here or by mailing a check to Denison University, P.O. Box 2007, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050. Please note that you are making a gift in memory of Susan Gowing Saiter.