Susan Q. West

Susan Quillen West 9/21/31-3/2/23 Susan Hubbard Quillen West died peacefully on March 2, 2023, with her husband of 70 years, David Alexander West, by her side. She was 91 years old. Susan enjoyed a family tree akin to a forest. She is survived by her five children and their spouses (Ted/Anna West; Sally/Andy Williams(d); Bruce/PR West; Ann/Vincent Figueredo and Tom/Eve West); her fifteen grandchildren and her fifteen great grandchildren as well as her siblings Parker Quillen and Lydia McCloskey, and her in-laws Gordon/Joan West, along with many nieces and nephews.

 

Susan Quillen West was the eldest child of Catherine Staples Quillen and Francis Parker Quillen. She was a graduate of Germantown Friends School ‘49 and Sarah Lawrence College ‘53 where she was elected President of the Student Council. Sue later earned her Masters degree in Social Gerontology from University of Pennsylvania. She lived most of her life in or near her childhood home in Blue Bell, PA. She spent many happy retirement years traveling the globe with Dave and living part-time in Tortola, BVI. She took the time and care to know each of her children and grandchildren individually and to make each feel special. Susan was a leader at the Chestnut Hill Senior Community Center, an active member of the Foulkeways Retirement community and a loyal parishioner of St. Thomas’ of Whitemarsh. She volunteered for Stephen Ministries and for hospice care.

 

Susan/Mom/Nana Sue was a gentle soul and a bedrock of courage. She valiantly battled melanoma for thirty years to bring us decades more of her wisdom and her grace. She taught us the importance of family, of marriage, of quiet fortitude and of joyful resilience. She always had a steady hand at your back and thoughtful words of encouragement. She modeled completely what it means to be a strong and loving partner, a guiding parent, and a loyal friend. She was greatly admired and much beloved by all who knew her and is already deeply missed.

 

Funeral will be held on Friday March 24th at 10:30am, at St. Thomas’ Church in Flourtown, PA. A reception and life celebration will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh Music Fund.