Susan Shelton Atwater

Susan Shelton Atwater, age 84, of Chadds Ford, PA passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2023.

She was born in Newton, MA in June of 1939, and was the daughter of the late Albert Edward Shelton and Jennie Mae (Coen) Shelton. Susan is survived by her son Allen Russell Atwater IV of Chadds Ford, PA. Susan grew up in Belmont, MA and graduated from Belmont High School in 1957. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1961 from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.

While working at the Salvation Army in Wilmington, DE, Susan worked with 46 United Way agencies. She founded and was the director of the Wee Care Day Nursery in Wilmington. She was elected President of the Delaware Day Care Association in 1973. Susan taught at the Pilot School in Wilmington, DE for 23 years. She began her teaching career as a music teacher and then had her own classroom. During her time at Pilot, Susan taught Language Arts, Skills classes, and was the Chorus Director. She was a recipient and awarded a place in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2000 and again in 2002.

After retiring from teaching, she tutored middle school and high school students at several schools in various subjects. Susan enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. One of her most memorable trips was to the Hawaiian Islands. She played six stringed instruments along with the piano. She was an avid reader. Susan was active in sports all throughout her life. She especially loved water skiing, tennis, basketball, and golf. She played varsity tennis in high school and continued playing well into her sixties. She had an affection for dogs, especially cocker spaniels. She will be remembered for always helping and valuing others, offering sound advice, and having a wonderful sense of humor.

Susan’s dedication to teaching young people touched countless lives during her lifetime. She was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Susan will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Many thanks to the Holisticare Hospice staff in Wayne, PA for their care and support in recent months.

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Funeral Services

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 9:30am followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30am at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. Interment will be private at Lower Brandywine Cemetery, 101 Old Kennett Road, Greenville, DE. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Susan’s memory may be sent to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Condolences

CLAIRE F MOTT lit a candle and writes,

I wanted to send a note to let you know that I am sorry about your Mom, She was a very special person to me, I had her for a teacher at the pilot school for 4 years and she was also taking care of me. There were not many girls The one thing I remember She also told me I never held the pencil correctly and she was an angel and the day I left Pilot I cried I did not want to leave , But she gave me a big hug and told me that it will be OK. Ihave had many teachers in the Past. But your Mom meant the world to me ******* claire mulrooney mott

12/24/2023 11:39 am

Brittany lit a candle and writes,

Susan was an amazing woman. What a beautiful life she led. My prayers are with Allan during this difficult time🙏🏼

12/26/2023 01:08 pm

Norman and Janice Hill lit a candle and writes,

Allen, we share your grief at this time in the loss of your mom. We met your Susah twelve years ago as we lived as neighbors at the Top of the Hill Apartments. There we became acquainted and then friends as we shared common experiences as educators. Your mom spoke so highly of you and said how blessed she was that you are her son. Susan's sense of humor was endearing as the well-placed quips she made would make you laugh. Susan loved life, and although she went through many painful medical procedures, she remained positive and encouraging to those around her. We remember Susan saying, "I don't like being around old people"; younger people made her feel more alive. Your mom was intelligent, articulate and always current on local, national, and international news. She enjoyed tutoring students and introduced me to one, mentioning she was proud of the progress he was making. We know Susan enjoyed tasty food, as the times we would dine together she would offer positive comments about the dining experience. She introduced us to a restaurant on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The food was delicious there. We especially enjoyed looking over the water as boats sailed along the bay. Susan hoped we could visit the Bay, before COVID prevented that from coming to fruition. Maybe this summer we can still go. Allen, we are here for you, so please do not hesitate to reach at any time to. Absent from the body is to be present with the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

12/27/2023 09:26 am

Janice J. Hill

12/27/2023 10:40 am

Dianne E Prost writes,

Janet and I wish to offer our condolences for the loss of your mother. Susan was Janet's favorite teacher at Pilot school. She instilled confidence and empowered Janet with life skills to further succeed in high school and college. Susan will always hold a very special places in our heats. She has touched so many children with her many talents, kindness, and above all love. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Diann Prost and Janet Prost Schmidt

12/27/2023 01:17 pm

Deborah Solaiman lit a candle and writes,

Susan was such a lovely woman, I loved hearing about all of the things she enjoyed doing. I knew her later in life, but she was very clearly accomplished in her achievements! It was also very clear that she was so loved by you, Allen; your care for her was apparent to all. Wishing you and your family peace in this difficult time, and we will certainly be donating to the Brandywine Valley SPCA in her honor!

12/27/2023 03:58 pm

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