Susan "Sue" Monahan, age 69, of Dover, Delaware, passed away after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born in Baltimore on July 24, 1954, Sue was the first child of John and Grace Walker. She spent a happy childhood in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and after marrying Thomas "Tom" Monahan on September 18, 1976, she became an Air Force wife, moving around the country—and the world. They began their marriage in New Jersey then moved to Rhein-Main AFB in Germany, where they welcomed their first daughter, Kristine; Belleville, Illinois; Andrews AFB; Mount Holly, New Jersey, where they welcomed their second daughter, Katie; and finally Dover, Delaware, where they raised their daughters and lived into retirement.

Sue was a profoundly kind and giving woman, full of joy and positivity. She always had a smile on her face and loved doing for others. She was a devoted mother, attending every school event and extracurricular activity for her girls, from dance and Girl Scouts to Odyssey of the Mind and choir. She not only cheered them on and encouraged their interests, but often volunteered to lead or help with their clubs, schools, and competitions. In her retirement years, Sue was active in dog obedience training, taking her beloved black labrador retriever Keira to compete in area dog shows. She was an immensely gifted artist who trained in her craft as a young woman and spent the rest of her life learning new skills and sharing her talents with loved ones. She was constantly gifting the works of art she made—pysanky eggs, hand-painted shirts, jewelry, and more. The pysanky eggs were an exceptional creation, and in 2006 she entered one in an Easter contest held by the White House. They chose one egg from every state and Sue won Delaware's coveted spot. Her egg was proudly displayed alongside the other 49 pysanky eggs and she was able to attend the event and meet the first lady, Laura Bush.

Family and friends who lived far away from Sue were privileged recipients of her care packages. She even began sending military support care packages to the troops overseas, mailing treats, notes, and handmade creations to bring joy to servicemen and women stationed overseas. She was also an avid baker, providing a constant supply of baked goods for any family gathering or neighbor having a tough time. She regularly baked goodies for the mailman and other service professionals who would stop by the house.

Sue had an infectious laugh and could turn even the most mundane activities into adventures, a trait she shared with her daughters, granddaughters, and beloved nieces and nephews. She was a captive audience for her children and grandchildren and was always ready to play a game. As a lifelong Disney fan, Sue was lucky enough to visit Disney World multiple times over the years, reveling in the magic with her family.

A few years ago, Sue was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a disease that combines Alzheimer's and Parkinsons. It took so much from her—her ability to paint, communicate, walk, and even smile, but it never took her spirit. Sue remained the sweet, caring person everyone knew and loved, right up until the end. For the past year and a half, she was most fortunate to have been under the watchful eye and loving care of the entire staff of the Artis Memory Care Facility in Yardley, especially her caretakers Patience and Jackie, who became more like family.

Sue is survived by her husband of 47 years, Tom Monahan; two daughters, Kristine Loeffler (Dan) and Katie Monahan (James); three granddaughters, Ella, Emily, and Evelyn; her mother, Grace Walker; loving family members Bob Walker (Nancy), Laurie Fritts (Bill), Carol Myers (Greg), Johnny Walker, Maggie Becker (Jerry), Michael Gaughan (Donna), Patti Gould (Michael), and Sally Unger (Kenny); and countless nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, John Walker; and loving family members Mary and Philip Gaughan, and Trudy and Philip Gaughan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

The family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church at 9220 Old Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., with the funeral mass at 11 a.m. A burial service will be held following the funeral service at Resurrection Cemetery at 5201 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, Pa.