Susan Harman
May 2, 1943 - January 24, 2022
Susan Harman, known to generations of children as “Susie” of Susie’s Daycare, died on January 24, 2022, at the age of 78, after a five-year battle with bile duct cancer.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on May 2, 1943, she was a daughter of the late John and Ruby McNeal. Susan graduated from Wilmington High School and studied early childhood education at the University of Delaware, where she began dating her love and soulmate, Fred. Before starting their family, Susan worked for Braunstein’s and Hercules. Later, through the daycare she owned and operated over 38 years until right before her illness, Susan loved helping to educate and raise over 200 children.
Susan enjoyed crafts and sewing and even made her own prom dress in high school. She collected porcelain figurines, lighthouses, and stuffed animals, particularly sheep and teddy bears. She loved horses and horseback riding. In their later years, she and Fred enjoyed spending time with friends at Delaware Park. Susan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Fred; siblings, Janice Starkey, John McNeal, and Bill McNeal; brothers-in-law, Richard Harman and Bill Harman; daughter-in-law, Shannon Harman; nephew, Brian Starkey; and stepmother, Grace McNeal. She is survived by her sons, Craig (Eric), Douglas (fiancée Melisa), Mark (Jennifer), and Michael; granddaughter, Ellie Eina; sister, Sondra Bradley; brothers-in-law: Dave Starkey and Stanley Godlewski; and sisters-in-law: Pat McNeal, Diane Harman, and Beryl Harman. Susan will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, daycare children, and other dear friends and family.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Guarino and Dr. Jamal Misleh and their respective staffs for their excellent and compassionate care of our mother over these last few years.
All services will be held privately.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here or to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, UT 84096, or online by clicking here.
Melisa Armstrong
Sending my love and deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Sondra
Sadly I will miss my sister my friend. My heart is heavy with sorrow .Susan is no longer suffering now and she is in Heaven with our Savior Jesus Christ .The cross she carried was heavy and now has been lifted She is now reining in Heaven
Lynn
To my buddy Susie, my partner in crime ..we were in the trenches together. We had the same mission in life ..educating children and their families. I’d come to pick my friend up for most trainings we’d stop at Wawa .. run in for a coffee sometimes before conferences on early Saturday mornings. We finally both got to retirement and we used to laugh about getting time off and taking a day trip to the beach.
I’m surly going to wish her peace and thinking she’s with Freddy now and may she’s resting in his care now.
My sincere condolences to her family.
Lynn
Tim Jeff Dan L.
Miss Susie, thank you for being there for my parents. You watched over us, cared for us, provided food to us, and loved us. While my dad was away in Iraq, serving in the military, you opened your door a little bit longer so my mom could get a break. Thank you for being there for all of us. Our condolences go out to the Harman and extended family.
Willie and Margaret Lin
We wanted to join our sons who previously posted here to express our sadness on Susan’s passing and deepest condolences to the Harman family. Susan cared for our 2 youngest from birth through preschool. She stepped in and filled an unmet need for extended child care when Willie was serving in Iraq and Margaret was juggling two young boys, a job with demanding hours and another baby on the way. I know she lovingly took care other children overnight when needed – an amazing and generous act! We will be forever grateful for her loving care and kindness to all 3 of our boys! God Bless you all –
Liz Stevens
So sorry for the family’s loss of this wonderful lady who was both beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. You are finally free of pain and in Heaven with Fred and the rest of your family who went before you. God bless you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Eve Ross
Craig and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Susie be of comfort to you.