Obituary of Susan Lynn Hartzell

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our devoted and caring Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Sensei, Friend, and Co-worker. Sue will be missed affectionately and fondly by many names including but not limited to: Toosie, Yaya, Tutu, Hercules, and Sensei. Susan Hartzell, 59, of Morgantown WV, passed away peacefully at her home that she shared with family on November 9 after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. Her immense strength and perseverance are an inspiration to us all. Susan was born April 10th to Margaret and the late Robert Hartzell. She graduated from Abington Heights High School, Clarks Summit PA in 1980. Sue earned her pilot's license at the age of fifteen. She attended Pittsburgh University and Lehigh Valley Community College where she earned her Associates as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Sports Medicine in 1986. Sue was dedicated and enjoyed working at WVU and Healthworks as a PTA for over thirty-seven years where she was known lovingly to her co-workers and patients as "The Queen of Pain." Sue came to study BaiYingPai with Master Cummings at White Eagle Martial Arts in 1986 where she later became an instructor and taught for over twenty-five years. She earned the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt where she became one of few to do so. She was highly regarded for her Kata Memory, retaining over thirty forms. Sue will be most remembered for her Aikido Demo, where she would have six to eight people attack her and they would all end up on the floor. This way of life gave her the body, mind, and spirit to fight her cancer with an extraordinary attitude and strength. Susan enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including but not limited to woodworking, mining gems, ax throwing, reading, and collecting a myriad of things; however, she was a Mountaineer Fan through and through, so in celebration of her life, we will be having a 'Tailgate Party' in her honor at Brown's Halleck Community Center, Brewer Rd, Morgantown WV, on November 26th starting at 2 pm. Bring a covered dish or favorite food, stories or pictures that remind you of Sue. Everyone whose lives Sue has touched is invited to attend; to reminisce, grieve and support each other, drawing on her positive attitude, immense strength, and remarkable uplifting spirit to carry on without her. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Cremation services have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Broad Run Cemetery, Jane Lew, WV in late July. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animal Friends of North Central WV. Send condolences online at hastingsfuneralhome.com