Susan J. Branch of Jamison, PA passed away on May 21st, 2023. She was 64 years old.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Susan was the daughter of Woodman and Carole (Spence) Branch.
Susan, or more affectionately “Susie,” was the true definition of a matriarch – the most selfless, empathetic, strong, and giving woman. She was a pillar for family, for friends, for anyone lucky enough to encounter her, a pillar upon which we all have leaned at one point or another. Instinctively, Susie just seemed to know what people needed and she would always do her best to help them. Like her father before her, Susie was always there to take care of the people she loved, dependable and sturdy, able to solve any problem. Like her mother, she was always warm and welcoming, always excited to see you and greet you with a sweet “honey.”
Simply put, to know her was to love her. Susie had a softness and vulnerability that she was unafraid to show. You could sit down and meet with her for the first time and she’d open up to you about anything, making you feel like you had just met your best friend. Susie’s spirit was a reflection of pure essence and simplicity, she often found pleasure in the small details of life. She retained a childlike innocence and wonder about her; it was not difficult to make her happy or to excite her. These qualities are some of the many reasons that made her a magnetic personality, one that everyone was drawn to. It came as no surprise that in her younger years, Susie was the most popular girl in school and was voted homecoming queen. She was truly one of a kind.
Susie worked as office manager of Hartsville Realty for more than thirty years. Her job brought her a lot of joy as she was able to utilize some of her strongest talents including people and communication skills, but also an incredible mind for business, organization, and management. Not to mention her incredible memory (you could ask her any phone or account number) and the ease with which she could multitask.
Susie was the embodiment of Christmas. She was able to show others the true meaning of the holiday through her excitement and giving nature. She loved spoiling her loved ones with gifts, always picking the absolute perfect items to give. It made her happy to give others joy, and the kids said she “had the keys to the toy store.” She treasured her Hallmark Keepsake ornaments and looked forward to the ornament premiere each year. Additionally, she would bake cookies every season, she was known for this specialty, and each cookie would taste overwhelmingly of warmth, of home, of love.
Susie had numerous hobbies. She enjoyed watching television, (especially Judge Judy and Murder, She Wrote), as well as watching, and often being stressed by, her favorite sports teams the Eagles and the Phillies. Susie loved shopping, whether it be at local stores and malls, flea markets, or combing the paper for the nearest yard sales. More recently she invested in her ever-growing fascination with gnomes (only the cute ones) and played cards on her tablet. Susie’s favorite vacation spot was Ocean City, NJ. She would enjoy strolling the boardwalk, visiting Hoy’s, and seeking out shells on the beach. Above everything though, Susie loved her family and her cat, Bo, and she was happiest when spending time with them.
Susan is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Branch (Thomas Laskey); her brothers, Robert Branch and Daniel (Cynthia) Branch; her nephews and niece, Robert (Jenna) Branch, Christopher (Alexandra) Branch, Daniel Branch and Megan Branch; and her cat, Bo Branch. She is additionally survived by numerous family and friends, the lives she touched were many.
Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown, where the family will greet guests from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be private.