Sue was born in Holbrook Pennsylvania on November 14, 1942 and passed away on February 27, 2021 after a long battle with Ovarian Cancer.
When Sue was a teenager, she was visiting family in Waynesburg, Pa. and took a fateful trip to the local skating rink where she noticed a handsome young man. Despite an attempt to meet him by pretending to fall in front of him, Prince Valiant, also known as Donald Swaniger, just skated on by! However, he had noticed her also. That fateful day led a long courtship and their marriage on June 18th, 1960. This joyous union lasted over 60 years.
They began their family with the addition of Gregory, who brought into her life, his wife, Fernanda and their first grandchild, Stacy.
Next came Colleen, who added to this growing family, Stuart, and his children Jonathan (Sara) and Brittany (Adam), who also increased the family with 5 great- children, Michael, Sean, Addison, Nicholas ,and Kate.
And finally, along came her youngest son Michael, who with his wife Michelle, added grandchildren Jacob and Hannah.
Sue and her husband Don raised not only her own children but became a “second” mom to many nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children. Many, who continued to visit long after her own children had moved away! Those lucky enough to be there when she got out her guitar, were treated to a fun evening that eventually led to her singing “Little Space Girl”, which many of her children`s friends still remember.
Sue loved her family, friends, neighbors and generally anyone she met and was very much loved in return. This was apparent when she became ill and the well wishes, prayers and assistance poured in from everyone. The family can never express how much this met to her and all of us.
Sue loved her children and grandchildren and was proud of each of their accomplishments as they grew up . She always took delight during their visits and phone calls.
Sue will be especially missed by the love of her life, Don, and she expressed this during one of their last conversations when she told him, that she was so was so glad she went skating that day. Her Prince Valiant was with her when she passed.
She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1960 and worked as a bookkeeper for many years and retired from Atlantic Risk to spend more time with her husband and family.
Sue was predeceased by her parents, James L. and DeEtta K. Taylor, her brother James L. Taylor Jr. She is survived by her loving husband Don, her children, Greg and Fernanda, Colleen and Stu, Mike and Michelle. Her grandchildren, Stacy, Jacob, Hannah, Jonathan (Sara) and Brittany (Adam), and 5 great-grandchildren. Sister-in- Laws Sandy McNeely and Orrie Gonzales. Her much loved Aunt and best friend Beverly and Uncle Ralph McClellan, Uncle Richard and Aunt Glenda Hughes, and Uncle Rudolph and Aunt Sue Hughes. Many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, “second children!” and friends and neighbors.
A letter from Don
When she walked into the skating rink, I was hooked. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. I learned that she was the granddaughter of the wonderful Helen Hughes. Our dating was un-believable-everywhere we went I noticed that we were being stalked by two women in long coats and scarves on their heads. It turned out to be her mom and aunt. They were even lying on the floor at the top of the stairs like snakes.
We were married in 1960 and my nieces thought I had married a princess. They were so right! She followed me to South Carolina and when I went to Iceland she stayed with her parents. After leaving the navy she followed me to Washington DC, then to St. Paul Minnesota and then Des Moines Iowa, then to Philadelphia and finally back to Washington DC. Always supporting me in my career. She sacrificed so much for others.
Our three children, Greg, Colleen and Mike were raised by their fantastic mother. Sue at times, was the second mom to many others. She loved her entire family with the utmost passion. Her love for her nieces and nephews was never ending. She cherished her grandchildren Stacy, Jake ,and Hannah and also Colleen and Stu`s children and grandchildren.
She enjoyed bingo with Shirley and the many visits and trips with Sandy. They were sisters. She loved her trip to New Mexico to see her brother Jim and the wonderful Orrie. Jim`s ashes were spread on Taylor Mountain when he passed. How appropriate!
She developed many friendships at her workplace also. In addition, she loved her neighbors, Jen, Lee, James, Jill and Grace and so many former neighbors and their children.
Lastly, don`t forget her potato salad-tasty, delicious, and enjoyed by so many!!
I will always have Sue in my heart.
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