Susan McCracken

Seneca, SC - Mrs. Susan Schmidt McCracken, 82, loving wife of the late Charles McCracken, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Lila Doyle Post Acute in Seneca, SC after a long struggle with increasing physical limitations.

Susan was born in Egg Harbor, NJ on January 4th, 1941 to the late Frederick Jacob and Kathryn Stalnecker Schmidt. She grew up in Maplewood, NJ across the street from Columbia High School where her father Fred was a teacher and she became a graduate. Following high school, Susan graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA in 1963 where she met her beloved husband Chuck. She taught middle school math in Long Beach, CA while he served there as a Lieutenant in the US Navy. Susan then moved to New England to raise her family dividing her active years between Portsmouth, RI, Weston, MA, Gales Ferry, CT, South Yarmouth, MA, and Charlestown, RI.

A woman of strong faith, Susan was an active pastor’s wife who always gave of her time. She had a gift for serving others and also enjoyed singing in the church choir. Susan was also an enthusiastic gardener and traveler. She loved her outdoor flower beds but was not fond of the deer that also enjoyed them. Indoors Susan kept an extensive collection of African violets and was always propagating something. She continued to cherish her many friendships and connections to these communities throughout her life. Susan kept her mind sharp as a substitute math teacher and math tutor. She also was an avid reader with a keen interest in politics. In the past ten years, Susan lived with her daughter Jeanine in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, and her son Reed in Vermont.

Susan is survived by her two sons: Reed and his wife Maureen of Waterbury, VT and Curt and his wife Jen of Gales Ferry, CT; her daughter: Jeanine and her husband Robert Montgomery of West Union, SC; her six grandchildren: Eric, Nathan, Kate, Grant, Andrew, and Kristina Montgomery; two nieces: Jennifer Preen and Kathryn Busch; and one nephew: Joseph Preen.

Susan's family will host a Memorial Service at the United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry, CT. A date and time are currently being planned, and those will be announced once plans are finalized.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.