Sue Van Zandt

Sue Van Zandt, 90

Poland: Sue Schutz Van Zandt of Poland, a vibrant and energetic 90-year old, passed away suddenly at St. Elizabeth’s Boardman Hospital on Saturday, April 27, 2019 with her daughter by her side. Sue was born on December 29, 1928 and was the daughter of the late George Earl and Minnie Bochholdt Schutz of Hillview, Illinois. She is survived by her daughter Jill McBride of Poland, her former son-in-law Scott McBride, sister in law Eileen Schutz and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Paul D. Van Zandt, her sisters Margaret and Marvell, her brothers Bill, George, Gilbert, and infant Ross, and her grandchildren Molly, Michael, and Matthew McBride.

Born on the same day one year apart, Sue and Paul Van Zandt were united in marriage on August 22, 1954 in Vandalia, Illinois at the First Presbyterian Church. Before Paul’s death in 2008, they were married for 53 years. Sue and Paul resided in Poland since 1965 and were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown for over 57 years. Sue was a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she met her husband Paul, a close friend of her brother George. Sue followed Paul to graduate school at the University of North Carolina and worked in her field as a speech therapist. They eventually settled in the Mahoning Valley when Paul accepted his appointment to the biology faculty at Youngstown State University. Sue supported Paul throughout his career as a faculty member and as the long-standing chair of his department. Together they raised their daughter Jill and were active in their church, schools, and community. They were both lovers of music, especially jazz, and avid fans of the youth drum and bugle corps activity, and enjoyed traveling to Pawley’s Island, SC.

Sue was a charter member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), Chapter EM and the Poland Trailwood Garden Club. She served on the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown as an ordained Elder and only recently retired from her leadership roles with the church. She was a faithful servant who lived an authentic life in Christ. She was an extraordinarily devoted wife and mother who loved her family and her life full of friends. She was a woman of deep faith in God and devoted humanitarian. On her 90th birthday, Jill, her daughter, hosted a grand celebration attended by more than 80 family members and friends.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, 201 Wick Avenue, with a visitation preceding the service at 10:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Rebecca Kahnt, with Larry Harris, organist. A luncheon reception will be held at the church after the service.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street in Poland. Sue will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Paul at the Poland Cemetery in a graveside service.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 201 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503 or to the Molly C. McBride Memorial Scholarship Endowment at Morehead State University, Office of Alumni Relations and Development, 121 East Second St., Suite 107, Morehead, KY, 40351.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.