Susan M. Gartner

June 17, 1950 -February 13, 2025

Susan Margaret Gartner passed peacefully on February 13, 2025 at the age of 74.

Born June 17, 1950 in Denver, Colorado, she was the second child of Rita Marie Tullis Schneiders and Thomas Mathias Schneiders. Her mom had names picked for twins because her doctor said she was carrying two. The names picked were Susan Margaret and Penelope. The doctor was wrong and she got lucky.

Her parents acquired a Scottish terrier puppy and named her Princess. This started a life long love that Sue had for Scotties. She developed and shared a love of sports with her father. Her first three years of school was at Our Lady of Lourdes in Denver. Then the family moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. She continued her education at St. Jude’s and Holy Names Academy.

Sue coached the girl’s volleyball and basketball teams. Sue loved all sports and considered herself the son her dad never had.

Sue studied to be a private secretary. While in school, she worked for a life insurance executive.

Her first full-time position was with the US Coast Guard Headquarters. That was where she met a Coast Guard Ensign, John (Jack) Gartner. They were married April 12,1969. Six months later, when his tour of duty was over, they moved to Syosset, NY so that Jack could pursue his CPA career. Her first born, Thomas Daniel, arrived on September 19, 1970. Sue missed being close to her family, so they moved back to Maryland in 1972. Jack was able to get a position with the US DEPT of Veterans Affairs. Sue resumed part-time work for the life insurance executive. Tom's sister, Catherine Michelle, was born June 16, 1973.

The family moved to Peachwood in Colesville, MD in 1975. Sue was active in Tom and Cathy’s school. She developed lasting friendships with neighbors. A close friend introduced her to Home Interiors and Gifts. For the next 18 years, she excelled in her in-home party business. The whole family supported her. While she made flower arrangements, they would help by packing her products. Working together was a blessing to her and Jack’s marriage.

Sue missed her family and friends out west. The family made frequent trips to visit them.

Sue and Jack retired and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2000. The Long Bay community was an easy place to make new friends. Tom and Lisa moved there a few years later. Cathy and Duane stayed in MD where his business is located.

She went to her eternal life surrounded by her family. She is survived by John, her husband of fifty-five years. She is survived by her son Thomas (Lisa), her daughter Catherine Burkhardt (Duane), her sister Catherine Galeano, her sister in-law Marilyn Gartner (Richard MacBain), and brother in-law Kenneth Gartner (Candy). She is also survived by her grandchildren Stephanie Morris (CJ Worthy), Gloria Hardee, Meghan Stone (Wes), and Tyrus and Caitlyn Burkhardt, as well as nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Sue was predeceased in

death by her parents, Thomas and Rita Schneiders, in-laws, John and Ruth Gartner, and by her brother in-law George Galeano.

She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She loved her dogs. She had a wonderful career with Home Interiors & Gifts where she made great life long friends. She was active with her kids and grandkids activities; including being a swim team mom and all around cheerleader. In later life, she was a caregiver to her granddaughter Meghan and her grandson Tyrus.

She loved anything and everything Disney– taking many family trips to Disney World where she would spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as taking Disney cruises with her husband. She was a lifelong Redskins fan; Hail to the Redskins!

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Susan will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 1100 8th Ave. North, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

Susan will be laid to rest in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Memorial Garden , 1100 8th Ave. N., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.