Susan J. (Loy) Schunk

Susan Jane Schunk (nee Loy), 77, passed away Sept. 11, 2022, at her home in Tallmadge, Ohio, surrounded by family.

Born July 10, 1945, in Altoona, Pa., Susan lived most of her life in Tallmadge with her husband of 53 years, Richard A. Schunk. The couple married Jan. 11, 1969, in Altoona, celebrating 50 years together in 2019.

Susan retired from the University of Akron in April 2000 after working there for 30 years as a French instructor. She was named the College of Arts and Sciences Teacher of the Year by the university in 1995.

Along with her close friend and mentor Janet Waisbrot, Susan co-authored three editions of “Explorations,” a third-year French instruction textbook that was adopted by the University of Michigan and Harvard University, among other institutions.

Selfless and compassionate, Susan counted her volunteerism as one of her most important duties. She served in soup kitchens in Akron during the holidays, and tirelessly fundraised for African Sky, an educational, health, food safety and spiritual outreach program benefitting the citizens of Mali, Africa.

Susan’s homemade Christmas, sympathy and birthday cards arrived like clockwork for her many friends, marking each occasion accordingly.

She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge for many years, singing in the choir and taking membership in the Women’s New Initiative. She also was a member of the League of Women Voters.

In 1966, during her undergraduate studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Susan backpacked for two-and-a-half months across Europe with her friend, Annie Milligan. The travel bug stayed with her, journeying to Ireland, Norway, Spain, France, Germany, Nova Scotia and the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec, Canada, among other locations, throughout her life.

She relished her family’s vacations to Cape Cod, Mass. 

Susan also enjoyed reading, hiking, cross-stitching and playing the piano.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Lois Katherine (nee Patterson) and Joseph Paul Loy; mother- and father-in-law, Betty Louise (nee Marshall) and Arthur Crawford Schunk; and brother-in-law Thomas Schunk.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; son, Andrew (Gina) Schunk; brother, James (Kay) Loy; nieces, Kelly (Greg) Morf and Jessica Schunk; nephews, Michael (Katy) Loy and Douglas (Renae) Schunk; brother-in-law, Steven (Debbie) Schunk; her best friend, Carol Brawley; and her beloved Australian shepherd, Tucker.

The family thanks the nurses of Hospice of Western Reserve for their kindness and care during Susan’s illness.

A celebration of Susan’s life will take place at the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m.

Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shelter Care, 32 South Ave., Tallmadge, Ohio 44278; or the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, 85 Heritage Dr., Tallmadge, Ohio 44278.

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