Sueshila Stubbe, lifelong adventurer
On the morning of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Sueshila Stubbe (born Barbara Ann Rusch) passed peacefully into her next great adventure. Her journey now continues beyond this physical world, drawing her ever closer to the Divine.
Born April 27, 1935, to Ross G. and Mary M. (McConnell) Rusch of Easton and New Hope, Pa., Sueshila was a lifelong seeker, adventurer and caregiver. She graduated from Westtown Friends School, Oberlin College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Occupational Therapy (1959). Her career as an occupational therapist led her to serve in hospitals and schools across Florida, Connecticut, California, Delaware and Massachusetts.
She was first married to Ivan G. Szanto of Budapest, Hungary, with whom she had two daughters. Sueshila is survived by her loving daughters, Marianne Szanto Owens of Ocean View, and Deborah Szanto Phillips of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; her sons-in-law, Peter Owens and Ted Phillips; and three grandchildren: Brian Ross Owens, Lauren Elizabeth (Owens) Iskra (married to Jordan Iskra), and Tyler Ian Phillips. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Brynn and Ross Iskra.
Sueshila is also survived by her sister, Vijaya (Carol) Stevenson; niece, Kate Stevenson; and nephew, Ross Stevenson.
Sueshila married Paul Edmond Stubbe April 26, 1991, in Coatesville, Pa. In 1996, they retired to Albuquerque, N.M., where they shared a passion for mountain hiking. Together, they hiked nearly the entire Appalachian Trail – missing only 200 miles – and explored trails in Spain, Switzerland, Utah, Colorado and throughout New Mexico.
Since 1982, after training at the Kripalu Yoga Institute in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, Sueshila dedicated herself to the practice and teaching of yoga, meditation and self-help workshops. Her spiritual path was central to her life and work.
In 2018, she and Paul relocated to Palm Harbor, Fla., where he predeceased her Dec. 8, 2019. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved to Bethany Beach to be near her daughters.
Sueshila was passionate about her own self-discovery and personal growth. She will be remembered for her free spirit, generosity and deep love of adventure. She found joy in wilderness treks, the pleasures of good cuisine and the richness of human connection. She held a deep respect for Native American cultures and was known for her natural warmth and curiosity, always eager to understand others and their unique life journeys. Her friendships spanned the many places she lived, from Pennsylvania to New Mexico, Florida to Delaware.
A private celebration of life will be held by her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Nature Conservancy, bird rescue or endangered species organization, or to the American Indian College Fund.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
