Susan Dilts

Susan Wright Dilts, age 74, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on November 1, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem. She was the loving wife of Thomas H. Dilts, retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge. Surviving along with her husband are children Stephen Dilts (Elizabeth), Brian Dilts (Allison) and Amy Tupper Langston (Mark), grandchildren Colin Dilts and Cecilia Dilts, sister Janet Chisholm, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and June (Tupper) Wright, and sister, Linda Streeter.

Susan was born and raised by her loving parents in Rochester, New York. She met Tom in 1967 while on the Washington Semester at American University, and it was love at first sight. They wed in 1969 and have been married for 52 years. One of Susan's favorite quotes was from Jacqueline Kennedy who, when complimented on the job she did in raising Caroline and John and fostering the love they had for each other, replied: "It is the best thing I ever did." Susan was proud to say that raising Steve, Brian, and Amy was the best thing she ever did. Susan was also a loving and caring grandmother (Gramma) to her adoring grandchildren, Colin and Cecilia. Required activities during their visits were "Don't Spill the Beans," lots of hugs and laughs, and most importantly, ice cream.

Susan and Tom lived in Somerville, New Jersey, for 42 years where Susan was active in church, serving on the denominational Board of Theological Education for the Reformed Church in America as well as the Consistory of her church. Susan also sang in the church choir. After moving to Pennsylvania, she became a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Emmaus. Her civic participation included serving on the Board of the Cancer Support Community and being a founder of the Children's Hope Initiative, benefiting abused, neglected, and traumatized children. She ran in 13 half marathons to raise money for charities.

Susan was an editor throughout her life. For three years in the early 1970's, she edited the Public Papers of the President while working for the National Archives. From 1986 to 2007, she was the lead editor on many Peterson's Guides to Colleges and Graduate Schools.

Susan died of a ruptured aneurysm in the brain. The family was blessed that, due to the wonderful care by doctors and nurses at St. Luke's Hospital Bethlehem (Fountain Hill) and the prayers of so many friends, she regained consciousness to spend time with family before passing.

A memorial service will be held at United Reformed Church in Somerville, NJ, on Friday, November 12th at 11 AM. Visiting hours will be at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 US 202, Three Bridges, NJ, on Thursday, November 11th from 6 PM to 9 PM. Visiting hours will also be at United Reformed Church from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, November 12th before the memorial service. Because of Covid, masks will be required for visitation and the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Susan to the Children's Hope Initiative, http://childrenshopeinitiative.org/ or P.O. Box 8063, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.