In Memory

Susan Altland


 

Susan E. Altland, 67, of Hershey passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2011 in the Caroline Croxton Slane Hospice Residence, Harrisburg.
She was born August 22, 1943 in West York, a daughter of the late Lester R. and Ellen (Stroman) Leonhard.
Mrs. Altland was a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and received her Masters Degree in Education from Shippensburg University. She retired after 27 of service as a school teacher with the Derry Township School District where she taught in the high school and served as Head of the English Department and was known to many of her students as "Mother English". She was a member of the St. Stephens Episcopal Cathedral in Harrisburg and had served as organist and choir director for the All Saints Episcopal Church in Hershey for 23 years. During those years, she also served her church as a member of the Vestry and as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention. Several times she served on the staff for Youth Conferences at Bucknell University and loved playing the organ at Rook Chapel for the closing service. She was also a member of the PSEA and the Hershey Education Assn. as well as the National Council of Teachers of English. Several times students nominated her for Who's Who Among American Teachers and Educators. Susan had an infectious laugh and always had a smile and words of encouragement and support for her children and students. She had a beautiful purpose in this world and she fulfilled it each and every day. She was funny, true, honest, caring, kind, and many other things. But most of all, she was always Sue.
Surviving are her husband, William G. Altland; three sons, Christopher of Lititz, Michael of Hershey, and James and wife Krista of Hershey; a sister, Kathryn Leonhard of Dallastown; and 2 grandchildren, Alixandra and Holden Altland.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Caroline Croxton Slane Hospice Residence, 1701 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.