Susan Harman

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.

Susan Harman

May 2, 1943 - January 24, 2022