Indian River Mourns the Passing of Auxiliary Life Member – Susanne (Sue) Szymanski (Updated Information)

The Auxiliary of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is saddened to announce the passing of Susanne (Sue) Szymanski.

Sue was an extremely active auxiliary volunteer for many years serving as Treasurer assisting with fundraising and other community service initiatives as well as helping those in need.

Indian River extends its condolences and deepest gratitude to the families and loved ones of Sue.

Sue applied to join the Auxiliary of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in October, 1999 and became instrumental in many duties and responsibilities during her tenure of 25 years.  Sue's insight and experiential skills helped develop many successful fundraising endeavors.

We wish to offer the Szymanski Family as well as any extended family and friends our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Additional information regarding Sue’s services may be viewed via the following links:

• Melson Funeral Home – Long Neck Chapel -  https://www.melsonfuneralservices.com/obituary/susanne-szymanski

Sue's Obituary

Susanne “Sue” (Nelson) Szymanski 90, formerly of Wilmington and Long Neck, DE, passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2024.

Sue was born on August 26th, 1934 in Chicago, Il to the late Herbert & Mary Lucille (Ryan) Nelson.  She grew up in various states before settling in Delaware in 1950 where she met the love of her life, Eddie Birch Szymanski. Sue graduated from St. Elizabeth High School in 1952 where she met her cherished “Club” friends.  She married her high school sweetheart on Halloween in 1953 and together they raised 10 children.             

Sue was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, music and entertaining with her children.  She was known for her perfect crab picking and made the best crab cakes, melts and imperial.  Sue spent countless hours at ball fields and gyms cheering on her kids.  She played an active role in the creation of St. Catherine of Siena Parish by working carnivals, bazaars and Alter & Rosary. Later she started a catering business, known as METS Catering.  Sue worked part time at the Vo-Tech School District in the cafeteria before retiring to Pot Nets.   Sue and Eddie enjoyed traveling to Florida, Hawaii, Grand Canyon and the Caribbean and she was adventurous enough to try zip-lining and parasailing.  

Sue was deeply involved in the Indian River Fire Company as a past Treasurer as well as an auxiliary member. Sue and Eddie were also very active at the American Legion Post 28 for many years, where she served their special menus on Thursday happy hours. Sue cherished her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who affectionally called her “Granny”. 

Sue’s home was always open to friends and family.  She will be dearly missed, but her zest for life will remain with all that knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Edward Szymanski.  Children: Linda Wilson (JB), MaryAnn Newman, Kathy Calvarese (Turk), Edward Jr. (Marilou), Susie Podolak (Ron), Maureen Yoder (Doug), Tim (Peggy), Stephen (Jackie), Beth Valenti (Mickey) and Luci Szymanski (Victor Martinez); 19 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren with a baby girl on the way and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, sister, Mary Lu Hartmann, brother, Herb Nelson, and son-in-law, Anthony Calvarese.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post 28 on December 8th, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE from 1:00 – 5:00. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to the Indian River Fire Company, 32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.