Susanne Szymanski, had a zest for life
Susanne “Sue” (Nelson) Szymanski, 90, formerly of Wilmington and Long Neck, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Sue was born Aug. 26, 1934, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Herbert and Mary Lucille (Ryan) Nelson. She grew up in various states before settling in Delaware in 1950, where she met the love of her life, Eddie Birch Szymanski. Sue graduated from St. Elizabeth High School in 1952, where she met her cherished “Club” friends. She married her high school sweetheart on Halloween in 1953 and together they raised 10 children.
Sue was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, music, and entertaining with her children. She was known for her perfect crab picking and made the best crab cakes, melts, and imperial. Sue spent countless hours at ball fields and gyms cheering on her kids. She played an active role in the creation of St. Catherine of Siena Parish by working carnivals, bazaars, and Altar and Rosary. Later, she started a catering business known as METS Catering. Sue worked part time at the Vo-Tech School District in the cafeteria before retiring to Pot-Nets. Sue and Eddie enjoyed traveling to Florida, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and the Caribbean, and she was adventurous enough to try ziplining and parasailing.
Sue was deeply involved in the Indian River Fire Company as a past treasurer and an auxiliary member. Sue and Eddie were also very active at American Legion Post 28 for many years, where she served their special menus on Thursday happy hours. Sue cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionally called her Granny.
Sue’s home was always open to friends and family. She will be dearly missed, but her zest for life will remain with all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Edward Szymanski; her children, Linda Wilson (JB), MaryAnn Newman, Kathy Calvarese (Turk), Edward Jr. (Marilou), Susie Podolak (Ron), Maureen Yoder (Doug), Tim (Peggy), Stephen (Jackie), Beth Valenti (Mickey) and Luci Szymanski (Victor Martinez); 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, with a baby girl on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister, Mary Lu Hartmann, brother, Herb Nelson, and son-in-law, Anthony Calvarese.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, make donations in Sue’s honor to Indian River Fire Company, 32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
