Susan Irene Showers (Lusska) of Stowe, PA loving wife to Howard F. Showers Jr., mother, grandmother, sister, and friend went home to heaven on January 8th, 2024 at the age of seventy-three (73). She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Susan was born on March 2, 1950, to John and Elmira Lusska of Philadelphia. She was one of three children and attended Upper Dublin High School. Although never having any formal training, Susan believed she was a highly skilled doctor, pharmacist, and psychologist.
Susan met Howard in 1971 on a whim, at a party being held with mutual friends. The two were married two years later and while they spent over fifty wonderful years together, she claims she only wanted to kill him for the last forty-nine. “YOUR FATHER!!!” became her opening line on phone calls and text messages with the kids.
Susan is survived by Howard, her three children Kellie Dru Bean (Husband) Bryan, children Katie and Jamie, Alex Showers (Wife) Maureen, children Connor and Blake, Coree Brooke Brecker (Husband) Tom, children Adam and Sophia along with her brother John and Paula Lusska, sister Linda and Wade Gans and their children. She loved all of her nieces and nephews dearly. Susan was pre-deceased by her first son, Adam Ross Showers.
Susan began her work career as a bartender and server in Skippack working at several fine dining establishments and spoke often about how she enjoyed her time working in the industry, “showing people the right way to do things.” She carried this experience into her personal life, sharing recipes with loved ones and tips for the perfect cocktail. In the 1990’s she went to work for Midas, starting in sales and progressing to be the store manager. Susan excelled at sales and did it in such a charming way that those customers always felt like they won. She enjoyed her job, took pride in her work, and enjoyed the relationships that she made over the years until retiring in 2013.
It is well known among family and friends that Susan was a gifted cook as she could create a gourmet meal for a large group at a moment’s notice, simply out of items in the fridge and pantry. That said, she was also the self-appointed bartender for family events, as nobody could do it better; “The key is always a tall glass full of fresh ice.” Susan claimed to not enjoy baking, but she was talented. She would often bake cookies, cream puffs, a pineapple upside-down or carrot cake all of which she would ultimately threaten Howard not to eat it all or she would give it away. When her kids were younger and even in her later years, Susan always made sure to have an overflowing snack bin of Tastykakes. It was unlucky if you happened to hit the cabinet on a day when the kids had friends stay overnight, which was daily during the summertime. She welcomed her children’s friends as her own, always letting them know she was there to help with anything, lend unasked for advice, or dole out chores as if they were her own kids “Richie go wipe down the woodwork for me and Hank go clean the pool.”
Susan’s passion for cooking was rivaled by her love of animals, card games and music. She was always quick to challenge you to a game of Rummy 500 or Uno by the pool. She loved seeing live music in person; Reading Jazz festival, bands in Somers Point, or at home playing on Sonos from the time she woke up, until she went to bed. Some of her favorites were classics like, “The Cars,” “Talking Heads,” “Led Zeppelin,” “Bowie” and “The Rolling Stones.” According to Ma, it was never “Beatles or Stones” it was “ONLY the Stones!”
Susan was a self-proclaimed skilled shopper (online and in person) where she made sure she always hit the Boscov’s semi-annual shoe sale (Clarks Flip Flops in every color, some still in boxes & tagged), “Sleep-ordering” from QVC or the literal daily trips to TJ Maxx & the supermarket for sales that couldn’t be passed on. Howard always laughed, knowing she had to go because “They were just practically giving things away.”
Howard and the kids have been overwhelmed and are eternally grateful for the outpouring of support, love and kindness displayed by Susan & Howard’s closest friends and family for the past six months.
We are certain that she is now spending time with her parents and first child, Adam Ross, with whom she has been waiting over 50 years to be reunited with and is watching over us. We love you always and forever mom; will miss you terribly and will no doubt be seeing you again someday.
No funeral services will be held at Susan’s request. In lieu of flowers, any donations wishing to be made in Susan’s memory, please go to Autism Speaks at: https://www.autismspeaks.org/