Susan Thatcher Pedersen, age 89, died peacefully on April 18, 2016 at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove, PA. Born on September 13, 1926, in Philadelphia to William and Gertrude (Hibbard) Thatcher of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Sue was predeceased by two sisters, Joan and Barbara (Bibs). She was the wife of Christian H. Pedersen to whom she was married in 1948. Among Sue’s greatest joys were her children: Harald ‘Pete’ C. Pedersen (deceased) and wife Rebecca, of Saxonburg, PA; Kai T. Pedersen (deceased); Hannah Pedersen Anderson and husband, Robert, of Concord, NH; Kai H. Pedersen and wife, Jean, of Sinking Spring, PA; and Erik H. Pedersen of Spring City, PA. Sue had ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, all of whom she adored.
Sue was a woman ahead of her time, raised in a Quaker family that shaped her values of advocacy and compassion for the poor and underserved communities of our world. She attended Swarthmore high school and then Bradford Junior College, graduating in 1946, trained as an Occupational Therapist. Sue was a strong believer in service, and using her skills in working with people she became a swim instructor for people with special needs wherever the family lived – Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina. While living in Florida, Sue volunteered with the VISTA program to teach English to adults and children as a second language. Sue continued her service to the community by being involved in politics – serving two terms on the Owen J Roberts school board, two terms as West Vincent township supervisor (Chester County) and a democratic committee person for over 40 years. Sue was also very active among Friends (Quakers) serving as clerk for Schuylkill Friends and West Grove Friends Meetings. In addition, Sue and Chris volunteered for many years at Thresholds of Chester County, empowering inmates, and Neighborhood Services (Oxford) where they helped in the Thrift Shop. Sue was also pen pals with inmates living on death row in correctional facilities throughout Pennsylvania advocating for legal assistance and upholding their dignity with respect.
Sue was an avid painter/artist and gardener. She founded Birchrun Art Gallery and sought to engage collaboration among artists of all types. There will be a memorial at West Grove Friends Meeting in West Grove, PA on June 25th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Hickman (senior living care) at 400 North Walnut Street, West Chester, PA 19380.
