Susan "Sue" Riemer

Susan (Hodukavich) Riemer, age 63, passed away on Wednesday July 31, 2024 with her husband and three children by her side, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).

Susan was a long-time resident of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A beloved and devoted spouse, mother, nana, and friend, Susan will be forever remembered for her joyful and kind outlook on life. Her positivity and youthful spirit imparted on all whom she met and gave life to the adage some people have never met a stranger.

Susan was born on September 9, 1960, to Stanley Anthony Hodukavich and Rose Bertha (Tremel) Hodukavich and grew up in East Islip, New York. She attended St Mary’s Elementary and East Islip High schools. She was the fifth of six Hodukavich children.

Susan completed her undergraduate studies at SUNY Albany, after which she began a career in New York City - joining the railroad commuters to the Big Apple. She met the love of her life, Bernie, near home and they dated a few years, but when a work assignment called Bernie to Tennessee, they decided that their lives were inseparable. Sue and Bernie married on December 14th, 1985, in St. Mary’s Church in her hometown. The newlyweds took another leap of faith soon after, moving abroad to Japan for a year, a life-transforming experience that broadened perspectives of culture, values and priorities.

Susan and Bernie returned to Tennessee expecting their first child, Meaghan, and settled in Oak Ridge. Meaghan was soon followed by twins Phillip and Bernadette.

Susan’s greatest passion was her family, and she dedicated herself to nurturing the children’s education, health and values. But she also devoted much to early childhood education beyond raising her own. Susan volunteered at local elementary schools, particularly at Linden Elementary, where she assisted in the special needs class and ran the science lab. Susan later earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Her love for teaching and dedication to helping others showed throughout her life. She found great joy in teaching, tutoring, and being with young children. A member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, she was training to be a caregiver to help bring joy and counseling to those most in need of it. Her warm, compassionate, and fun-loving nature left an indelible mark on everyone she met, and her contributions to the community will be remembered fondly.

At home, she cherished spending time with friends, always the extrovert who enjoyed long, social walks with friends, playing games, and trying new hobbies. She had a gift for conversation, often making new friends in the most unexpected places like the grocery store.

Susan loved music, favoring happy and upbeat tunes that she could dance to (always trying to lead) or singing along to R&B or folk. She loved the outdoors, whether cycling, hiking or canoeing. She enjoyed week-long cycle touring trips in Europe with Bernie and participated in long cycling rides in East Tennessee. Sparked by their time in Japan, Susan pursued a love of travel, exploring Europe, North America, and Japan again with her husband and friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Stanley Anthony Hodukavich, fondly known as "Happy," and Rose Bertha (Tremel) Hodukavich. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Bernard "Bernie" Riemer, and siblings, Stan Hodukavich, Barbara Fotiades, Marie Quagliato, Dave Hodukavich, and Rose Ann Hodukavich. She was a devoted and loving mother to her three children, Meaghan, Phillip, and Bernadette, and their spouses Cody, Hayley, and Andrew. She adored being the doting nana to her granddaughter Gertie. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Her warmth, love, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held to honor Susan Riemer's life on August 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EDT at First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge (1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN). We welcome friends and family to join us in remembering and celebrating her life and legacy.

Susan’s family deeply appreciates the care provided by the exceptional personnel at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital and Capstone Hospice in Atlanta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Emory St. Joseph’s Cancer Research & Staff Development or Palliative Care funds, Knoxville Area Rescue Mission, or First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge.