Thursday, August 2, 2018

Suellen Swartzbaugh Van Rensselaer, BHS '58 (1940-2018)


Suellen Swartzbaugh Van Rensselaer

Suellen was born on May 28, 1940 in North Baltimore, Ohio. Sue was the daughter of Amon Elias Swartzbaugh, and Mildred Paden Swartzbaugh. Her father Amen then moved the family to Burbank CA, where he was hired as a Coach.

She passed away on July 17, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA. After entering the hospital for respiratory issues, she died peacefully in the hospital from a clot to the lungs.

Sue graduated from Burbank High School, and attended one year at Glendale College. She married Edward Maunsell Van Rensselaer in August, 1961. They first lived in Hacienda Heights, but only for a short time. Then to Orange County, CA where they lived on Mesa drive in Newport Beach for a short time. Ultimately they moved to their dream location of Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach with their three children. The family enjoyed the beach life where Sue made lifelong friends. Sue played Tennis with the Emerald Bay tennis ladies group, and enjoyed watching her three children play volleyball on the beach and swim meets at the Emerald Bay community pool.

Sue was known for her taste in fashion, worked for the Red Balloon and Ducks and Co in Newport Beach. Sue also a talented Decorator and enjoyed helping others decorate their homes. She also worked as a caregiver for 10 years, helping Seniors stay at home.

Sue and Ned eventually divorced in 1980. Sue stayed in Orange County until moving to Palm Desert where she had a small retail store business specializing in Lucite. Sue then moved back to the OC when her first grandson was born and then remained until her passing. She was a very devoted grandmother and loved spending time with all six of her grandchildren. She was also a wonderful Aunt to both her Swartzbaugh and Van Rensselaer Nieces and Nephews.

Suellen is survived by her children and their spouses, Paige Allison Van Rensselaer Kunkle, Jay Geoffrey Kunkle, Heidi Sue Van Rensselaer Kane, Christopher Michael Kane, and Ryan Edward Maunsell Van Rensselaer, Catherine Alisa Spath Van Rensselaer, her Grandchildren, Gavin Hendrick Van Rensselaer Kunkle, Allison Clare Van Rensselaer Kunkle, Carly Alida Kane, Paden James Kane, Halle Noelle Van Rensselaer and Hope Gabrielle Van Rensselaer.

Her brother Jack Swartzbaugh passed away in 2016 and is survived by Mary Joan Swartzbaugh, Laurel & John Yocca, Luanne & Kevin Sprong, Scott & Kelly Swartzbaugh and Brett & Melinda Swartzbaugh.

There is a family celebration at the home of the Kane family on August 3, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, please offer donations in Sue’s name to https://nurturingmindsinafrica.org to support girls education in Africa or the Alzheimer’s association http://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate.
The family thanks you.

If you would like to contact the family, Paige (paige@poseycouture.com) or Heidi (heidikane@me.com)

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