Susan "Sue" (Shell) Gasswint

Susan “Sue” (Shell) Gasswint, 78, of Lewisberry, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at her residence. Born on February 5, 1946, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Elsie (Lutz) Shell.

A 1964 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School, Camp Hill, she would obtain an undergraduate degree from Shippensburg University in 1968, as well as earning a subsequent master’s in education. She would become employed with the West Shore School District, spending her entire professional career as an elementary school teacher. Sue taught first grade at both Mt. Zion and Fairview Elementary, retiring after 25+ years as an educator. Near the end of her career, she was honored as Professional Employee of the Year in 2003.

She was involved in the lives of her two daughters, and she cared deeply about her community. Sue taught preschool at Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill, for a stretch of years while raising her girls, and at the same time, she was active with the Fishing Creek PTO and Red Land Women’s Club, even serving as president. For more than 10 years, she co-owned a children’s consignment shop, Hand-Me-Downs, located in New Cumberland.  Upon retirement, she offered private tutoring, and having more free time, she took a greater interest in the lives of her grandchildren, supporting them in all their athletic and scholastic endeavors. A family trip to Disney World brought her tremendous pride, and her beloved cat, Marley, was the apple of her eye. She thoroughly enjoyed gardening, including many summers working at Baker’s Greenhouse. Starting during the pandemic, she became much more tech savvy, streaming local events and activities to stay engaged. Sue was a woman of faith, attending Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, for many years where she served on the church council and numerous committees.

Surviving Sue are her daughters, Amy Downs (Kevin) of Red Lion and Heidi Hartman (Michael) of Lewisberry; grandchildren, Madison, Hannah, Isabelle, Jacob, Samuel, John, and Noah; and a brother, David Shell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Lynn Shell.

A public memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, with a visitation running from 10AM until services commence.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Sue’s name to either Grace Lutheran Church (gracecamphill.org) or the West Shore Foundation (westshorefoundation.org).