Reid Smith Suchanec
May 26, 1944 - August 11, 2025
Reid Smith Suchanec, 81, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of August 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the devoted wife of John R. Suchanec for over 61 years, a goose to his gander, with family and celebration at the heart of their marriage.
Together Reid and John raised three daughters: Heather Manning Suchanec-Cooper (Jon Cooper); Jennifer Reid Suchanec; and Catherine Mischa H. Suchanec (Jason Coughenour). They were blessed with ten beloved grandchildren with whom they created boundless magical memories: Hannah (Josh Davis), John Henry, Ella, and William Cooper; Josephine and Samuel Thomas; and Jonah, Acadia, Ezra, and Eva Coughenour. To these beautiful grandchildren and their friends, Reid was lovingly known as “Grandma Moon” or “Moon”. She loved bedtime readings of “Good Night Moon” and taking Moon Walks. As her future son-in-law said, she’ll be with us every night; she is our Moon.
In addition to her immediate family, Reid is survived by her sister and adventure partner, Krista Manning Meinersmann; her beloved brother-in-law, David Witke; John’s sister, Rosemarie Grizzard (John), and a huge network of nieces and nephews whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eve Manning Reid and Paul Edgar Smith; her two older sisters, Pricilla Bill Witke and Natalie Hooker Smith; and two nephews, Kasey Simpkiss and Edward Crowe.
Reid was the heart and soul of a glorious family, who knew how to live, laugh, love, play, and adventure together. She joyfully filled their lives with magic, warmth, and curiosity. This beautiful presence of hers was like a welcome tide that always returns and brings something new and exciting for all who knew her, including her friends at the Newark Country Club (Hacker for 43 years), the Newark Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the UU Womenspirit, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, her Christmas-Day-Toast Family, her “Petal” women, the University of Delaware tailgaters, and countless more friends and neighbors.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 26, 1944, Reid and her sisters were raised in the fairylike utopian village of Arden, DE where they romped with friends through the woods, stone hopped in the creek, performed in community theater at the Gild Hall, and enjoyed community dinners and music sessions with neighbors who became family. Reid graduated from P.S. Dupont High School where, among other accomplishments, she was a cheerleader who would lead anyone who asked in the school’s rollicking BOBOSKI cheer. Reid graduated from the University of Delaware in 1966, a proud member of the Nursing School’s First Graduating Class. Her student-nursing photo was featured in the Nursing School’s 50th anniversary brochure, which brought her great joy.
Reid was a tremendous role model of feminine strength. She raised her three daughters lovingly while earning her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Delaware and writing a noted thesis about breast feeding; a practice about which she cared very deeply. She then embarked on her lifelong career as a member of the Delaware nursing community: beginning as a visiting nurse, continuing as a labor and delivery nurse at Wilmington General Hospital, teaching Natural Childbirth Classes, and finally serving as a Maternal and Childbirth Nursing Instructor at Delaware Tech. Community College. After retiring, Reid volunteered in the surgical waiting room as a member of the Junior Women’s League, served as a Stephen Minister at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, DE, and many committees at the UU Fellowship, most importantly pastoral care. She loved helping people and being a part of the medical community. She fell into conversation with every nurse she met, asking them about their training, their work history, and their favorite things about nursing. She loved crossing paths with former students with whom she felt deeply connected.
Reid’s life was a rich tapestry woven from love, family, and an endless sense of wonder. She taught those around her to look for magic in the everyday, to celebrate life’s small joys, and to never lose sight of the beauty in the world. Her joys included, but were not limited to: family gatherings in Lewes; long beach walks; “Oh Hell” card games with “protest” bids; hunting for toads; rescuing turtles; the annual Horseshoe Crab count; biking to Rehoboth; dolphin dives through ocean waves; no-breathers in the pool; family camping trips; mountain hikes in Maine; refreshing swims in Echo Lake; smores around the campfire; family trips to Disney World; hunting for hidden Mickeys; visits to Longwood Gardens and the Philadelphia Zoo; UU Womenspirit; SUSSI; Sacred Circle Dancing; sleepy mornings that stretched into afternoons; late-night walks with deep conversation; talking about good books; going to the movies; sharing details about her most recent dream; matching Christmas Pajamas; baking lemon squares and 7-layer cookies; sharing mocha milkshakes; lunch dates with loved ones; dancing with John; and always being open to every adventure life offered.
The family wishes to thank the entire medical community at Christiana Hospital who supported Reid and her family during her final week of life. Your compassion, care and gentle guidance were a blessing to us.
Reid’s family invites friends and family to come together for a Joy-Filled Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Road, Newark, DE. Seating will begin at 1:00, with the service starting at 1:30. A reception will immediately follow. Cheerful clothing is encouraged to honor the spirit and energy of Reid, whom we love to the moon and back.
Betsy Read
John, Heather and family, How happy I am to have shared many wonderful experiences with Reid ( and John). She was a guiding light for bridge, golf, and social events. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers! Betsy
Nancy Mahanna
Jay and I are so sorry for your loss. Reid will be greatly missed by the entire community. She brought so much joy to all who knew her.
Linda Sanders
Reid was my lifelong friend with whom I shared countless adventures and life events. I will miss her every day forever. My love to John, Krista, the girls and their families and the ten precious grandchildren. May she fly with the angels in peace and joy. 💕
Donna Carson
I met Reid 2-1/2 years ago at UUWomenspirit. Her wisdom was visceral and she enjoyed sharing it. Such a pleasure to have gotten to spend time with her. Condolences to her family.
Amber
Reid being Reid was always filled with smiles, energy and a welcoming openness to all who came near her at Womenspirit. It was a joy to hang out with her and her not being here has left a hole in Womenspirit.
David Witke
This beautiful obituary refers to the magic that Reid found in life and in her family ties. I appreciate these references because Reid, herself, was a magical presence in our lives, bringing joy and enthusiasm and love to all of us. . . . And someone needs to say this: She had beautiful eyes.
John and Karen Skurla
Reid was our nursing instructor for our second child. A wonderful teacher and supporter. She even had us speak at one of her classes as my birth experience was different than the normal. She blessed many people and I know will be missed. But, her love lives on forever with family and friends.
Jim & Barbara Whalen
John and Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Reid wil be missed. RIP.
Gail Stephenson
Reid was such an inspiration to all whose lives she touched. I knew her from the many years that we attended UU Womenspirit together. She was always a light shining no matter what was going on. Smiling and laughing. I will miss her greatly.
Sally Miller
I have lost a dear friend. Her obituary is such a loving tribute to a beautiful woman who inspired many lives and showed compassion every day of her life. Our yearly trips to the Poconos for over twenty years will not be the same without her but her memory is imprinted on so many of our adventures there that she will be with us and celebrated going forward. Love you Reid. Thank you for the memories and always being there during the good times and the rough times.
Alan and Maria Burslem
Reid was a magical force with a beautiful spirit. It was always a joy to be with her. Her smile and joy of life were contagious. She was forever an Arden Child and will surely be missed by so many. I can’t think of anyone better to have been my childbirth coach! She was absolutely wonderful!
My sincere condolences to John, her girls and their families and of course Krista!
She will be missed by the Burslem family. With love Maria and Alan
Bill Lowther
John, so so sorry to learn of Reid’s passing. I know that she and you and family have many wonderful memories to help you thru her loss. Martha and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Please take care!
Nancy Plummer
Reid was my professor at Del Tech in the early 90’s. I also have had the pleasure of her company at the UU fellowship for many years. Just recently we had a conversation about how she was my professor and you are correct, she asked me many questions and was happy I remembered her. She talked about her family a lot and she was someone who stepped into her power and shared who she was with all. She also balanced a private side that she kept close to her heart.
She will be missed
Gloria Hausser
Reid brought so much joy and life to all fortunate to know her. Your Womenspirit sister.
Sally Krapf
My deepest sympathy & much love & many hugs to you John, & Heather, Jennifer & Mischa. Like everyone else I have wonderful memories of Reid & all the Suchanecs. Sending prayers & peace, Sally
Michael Carroll
Jojn, sorry to hear about Reed. Lynn and I had many good times with you two. I hope everything else is good.
Mike
Ann Osborne
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Heather, Jon & family. I have such sweet memories of playing with you & Mischa in the backyard treehouse!
Jan Hirst
Many fond memories of Reid during our time teaching at Delaware Tech. We shared many talks about birds and nature and she always mentioned her wonderful family and their latest adventures. Reid will be missed by many, may you all find comfort in your memories of her, Jan Hirst
Jamie Deiner
This obituary describes such a beautiful life. My condolences to all of Reid’s large and loving community.
Casey Saenger
A tremendous woman that I am glad to have known and shared so many memorable Christmas Eves with. I remember trying to argue that 60s were no longer middle aged and being put squarely in my place.
Sue Hand
One of the reasons I loved going to UUWomenspirit was the chance to spend time with Reid and Krista I the Mountain dining room over tea and cookies. Always a joy! What a wonderful obit. She was amazing!
Gene niland
John,
So sorry for your loss
Gene
Tracy Townsend
Heartfelt sympathy to the whole family. Such a special lady. From sleepovers as a kid to nursing school. Such a positive influence. My condolences.
kristin rehberg
Heather, Jenn and Mischa-
Your mother was such a beautiful woman, both inside and out. It’s so clear how deeply she cared for each of you. So many memories are rushing in and they all bring this wide smile to my face. One of the things I loved most about your mother was her genuine interest in what we had to say. She was compassionate and sincere and not just when we had reached adulthood- this was her way with everyone! Thank you for sharing her story so beautifully. Much love to you and your family,
Kristin
Sheri & Joe Gebbia
Our deepest, heartfelt condolences are with your family and her dear friends.
Karen Suchanec Hopkins
Aunt Reid was a beautiful joyful person. Always with a smile and laugh. She was a card shark and very hard to beat!! She and John have raised a beautiful family, who will honor her memory. I know she is reunited with all of her relatives and be welcomed with open arms. A life well lived, but taken too soon! Always remember her lively spirit!!!
Stephanie Lesher
I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Suchanec over my years of growing up in Newark. Her smile and friendly demeanor was felt every time I ran into her. I hope that you all can remember beautiful memories of your years with her. What an amazing woman!
With sympathy,
Stephanie Lesher
Bill Dewberry
John and Family. Simply remember the love she spread to everyone. You all were blessed just having her in your life. RIP Pretty Lady. 🙏🏼♥️
Bill Dewberry
John and Family- May the love that Reid shared with everyone give you comfort and peace. You and your daughters were truly blessed. RIP Pretty Lady 🙏🏼♥️
Nina Benedetto
Reid (& Mischa & Krista) made a deep joyful and loving impression on us and on everyone who encountered them at many UU gatherings: Womenspirit at The Mountain, at SUUSI, G.A., etc. Dan and I have not seen her in over 20 years, but she will always be in our hearts.
Charlotte & Don Short
John, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Reid. She was a light in everyone that knew her. She will be sorely missed.
Allison Miller
Besties forever. ❤️You will always be in my heart and with my soul.
Nora DeLuca, Jack & Vee
What a beautiful obituary for a beautiful soul! I remember her as being full of joy and welcome, and I wish I knew her better. Jack will miss her, too. He was saddened to hear this news. ❤️. Sending love to all of you.
Sue Anne Solem
I always loved seeing reid at women’s spirit. She was always such a bright star. I will really miss her next time I go to women’s spirit.
Priscilla Phillips
I have many fond memories of long ago times spent with Reid at UU gatherings – SUUSI, Womenspirit, and General Assemblies. I remember well her exuberance for life, her colorful presence, her free spirit. She was a bright light to all who knew her, and I know that she will be sorely missed. Love and condolences to her family and close friends.
Katherine (Newlin) Schaen
John, Jennifer, Heather, and Misha, I was devastated to here of Reid’s death. Forty-six years ago Reid supported me through one of the difficult times of my life. Her love, kindness, and wisdom were so great that two weeks after the crisis I named my daughter after her. As a result she will be in my thoughts forever.
Katherine
Mark & Patricia Suchanec
One of the truly amazing people, the world has lost a good one. Proud to have had you in our family. Our best to the children and grandchildren you can carry on her positivity.
Julia Deane
I was so sorry to hear about Reid’s passing. She and my mom shared such a special friendship, and I have so many fond memories of growing up around her. She was always so engaging, and I truly enjoyed our conversations and I remember them. I enjoyed all of our family moments. Wonderful memories to look back to. I’m thinking of all of you and I’m sending you peace and love. She will be missed, but always remembered with love. xo, Julia Dombrowski Deane
Bridget Simpkiss
John, Heather, Jennifer, Mischa and family – We were so saddened to learn of Reid’s death. She was a joyous spirit, and she loved you all so fiercely. Our love to you all, Bridget and Haley
Maureen Minn Tucker
I just saw this obituary for Reid when I accessed the UUFN newsletter for tomorrow’s Sunday service. I am so sorry that I missed her service today. Reid was the childbirth coach for me and my husband, Larry, when our son, Geordan, was born in 1976. I also knew her from the UUFN. She was a bright spirit in the world, who will be missed. I was surprised to learn that she was 81 years of age. She always seemed so energetic and, to borrow a lyric, “younger than springtime”!
Janice Mink
Reid was one of my favorite people that I met at Newark Country Club. She was so full of life, love and adventure. She was always interested in learning about others adventures and accomplishments while being humble about her own. The world is a better place because of the kindness of Reid. May she rest in peace.
Heather McClean Nickodem
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person! Reid was upbeat, positive, and cheerful. Always with an infectious smile on her face. Growing up in Arden, she was my teen-age role model. I can still picture her in her P.S. cheerleading uniform. And what better person to cheer people on. May God bless all of her family and friends.