Susan P. Vacha

When someone asks how to measure a life, they often point to years, accomplishments, titles or milestones, but to those who knew my mom know that her life was measured differently. It was measured in kindness given freely, in sacrifices made quietly, in hugs that healed what words could not and in the countless hearts she carried through life's joys and hardships. It is with profound sadness and immeasurable love; we announce the passing of Susan 'Sue' Vacha on May 27th. Her unexpected, sudden loss leaves a space in this world that cannot be filled and a silence that echoes through the lives of all who loved her. Born on Dec 3, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Jack and Eleanor Greitzer (nee Walker). Sue graduated from Bedford High School in 1965 and then moved on to get her Early Childhood Education Degree from Kent State University in 1969. She poured her heart into her classroom for 37 years, making an impact on the lives of so many throughout her career. Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, James 'Jim' Vacha; her beloved daughter, Megan (Charlie) Archibald; and the two lights of her life, her grandchildren, Logan and Max. She is also survived by her sister Lauren Walker; nephew Erik Tildholm; niece Tessa Walker; sister-in-law, Gloria Gemery; niece Laura Gemery (Ronnie Lindsay Jr); as well as many cherished cousins, lifelong friends, former students, colleagues and countless others whose lives were made brighter by knowing her. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Eleanor Greitzer, and her brother-in-law, Gerald 'Jerry' Gemery. Sue was the person whose love never needed to be earned because it was given so unconditionally and abundantly. She possessed a rare ability to make people feel seen. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a warm smile, a handwritten note (in her perfect teacher's handwriting) or simply listening without judgment. Sue always left people better than she found them. Her kindness was not performative; it was woven into the very fabric of who she was. Susan lived a life rooted in compassion, faith, resilience and devotion to those she loved. While she was deeply cherished as a daughter, sister, cousin, wife, aunt, teacher, friend and mentor, nothing brought her more pride, purpose or joy than the privilege of being a Mother and a Gigi. Life's simple treasures brought a smile to Sue's face. She loved watching the birds outside her window, working on crossword puzzles, watching The Young and the Restless, settling in with a Hallmark movie and cheering on Cleveland sports teams. From planning surprise trips to Disney World to spending Christmases at her parents' Fort Lauderdale condo, Sue treasured every moment spent with her family. She loved all the holiday memories that were made under sunshine instead of snow. Sue was happiest in the comfort of home and no matter what the season you could almost always find her in one of her colorful sweatshirts, wrapped in a blanket with a space heater nearby. She enjoyed a cup of coffee and a waffle with peanut butter and apple almost every morning and liked sharing her yummy homemade spaghetti and meatballs with those she loved a few special times throughout the year. Just recently Sue discovered a love for table puzzles and could often be found sitting at the kitchen table, carefully fitting together one piece at a time. She was especially excited about a 1,000-piece puzzle I had given to her for Mother's Day and was slowly working her way through it. In fact, when Dad and I returned home after her passing, we found a package waiting on the front porch...A turquoise puzzle board that Mom had ordered just days earlier. Turquoise was her favorite color, and the board was the perfect size for the puzzle she had been working so hard to complete. Though she won't be able to finish it herself, we look forward to completing it in her honor. Sue truly spent her life putting others first, she listened without judgment, encouraged without hesitation and gave without keeping score. She taught generations of children, but her greatest lessons came from the way she lived her day-to-day life and loved her family and everyone she crossed paths with. Writing this tribute is my final gift to the world in your honor, Mom, but my heart still has a few more things to say directly to you: Dear Mom, I feel so blessed that I had the privilege to be the one and only person on this earth who got to call you, ‘Mom’ – I told you often how thankful I was that God chose YOU for me. To me Mom, you were home. You taught me kindness without preaching it, strength without demanding it and faith without forcing it. You were the voice on the other end of the phone no matter the hour. You were the first person I called with good news and the one who was there through every heartbreak. You were more than my Mom, you were my friend, my safe place, my comfort. Mom, it’s so hard for me to write about you in past tense when every part of me still feels like I should be able to call you. How do I summarize a life that shaped mine? You were there before my first memory and somehow you became part of every memory after that. You celebrated every victory of mine as if it were your own. You carried every burden alongside me. You loved me through all my mistakes, through every growing pain, through seasons when I didn’t even know how to love myself. You taught me what strength looked like. Not the loud kind, the quiet kind. The kind that gets up every day and keeps loving people. The kind that sacrifices. The kind that forgives. The kind that keeps showing up no matter what. You were my greatest comfort and my biggest supporter. I don’t know how to imagine this world without you in it. I am heartbroken that there will be moments we won’t get to share. Conversations we won’t get to have. Calls I won’t get to make. Memories we won’t get to create. But I am endlessly grateful that of all the mothers in the world, God chose you to be mine. Thank you for every sacrifice I never knew about. Thank you for every prayer you whispered for me. Thank you for every lesson, every laugh, every hug and every moment of unwavering love. The gift of being your daughter is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. If my love alone could have kept you here, you would have lived forever. Mom, you were there to welcome me into this world, and I was there to hold your hand as you left it. While my heart aches with missing you, I find comfort in knowing you are in the loving arms of Jesus ~ whole, healed and free from pain. What a blessing it was to spend time reading all the notes you wrote in your bible. This one stood out to me, “The cross is the most powerful. Nothing is more important. God sent His son to die for us. A savior who has given Himself for me and will set me completely free.” Amen Mom, Amen. Until we meet again Mom, I will carry you with me always; in my heart, in the choices I make, in the life I build with Charlie, in the love and guidance I give Logan and Max, in the promise I made to care for Dad, in the memories I hold close and in every act of kindness I give to others for the rest of my life. Though our hearts are shattered, our gratitude is endless. What a gift it was to be loved by you. and Mom, for the many years we all tried to outdo one another… “I love you.” “I love you more.” “I love you the most.” today we have our final answer… WE love YOU the most, Sue, Susie Q, Auntie Sue, Mom, Gigi…. … We win. I love you Mom. Always and forever, - Megan, your one and only sugary buttery butterfly. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that donations be made to Christ Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio. Sue's faith was quiet but unwavering and the steady foundation that shaped the way she lived, loved and cared for others throughout her life. While she wasn't always able to attend church in person, each Sunday, she and my Dad faithfully watched Christ Community Chapel's live stream from home. It became a cherished part of their weekly routine. Bible open and pen in hand, Mom listened intently, took notes and sought to grow in a deeper relationship with the Lord. She was especially proud of the strong faith she saw growing in her grandchildren, Logan and Max. It is our prayer that gifts made in her memory will help continue sharing Christ's love with future generations. Burial services will take place sometime this Fall, allowing our family to take time to grieve, catch our breath and support one another after this unexpected loss. Details will be shared with family and loved ones once arrangements have been finalized.

Susan P. Vacha

December 3, 1947 - May 27, 2026

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