Susan "Sue" Hoecker

Susan Jane (Schrum) Hoecker, a loving and giving soul who dedicated her life to her family, faith, and community, passed away peacefully at her home in Camden, Delaware, on June 1, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born on August 21, 1946, in York (York County), Pennsylvania, Susan was the cherished daughter of Harry P. Schrum and Ruby Jane (Senft) Schrum. She grew up in Spring Grove, PA, surrounded by the love and care of her parents. Susan pursued her education at Chamberlain School in Boston, MA, where she earned an Associate Degree in Merchandising.

On October 14, 1967, Susan married the love of her life, George Frederick Hoecker III, affectionately known as Jerry. Their marriage of 57 years was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Susan was also preceded in death by her brother, David, who passed away in 2015 having battled Parkinson's Disease.

Susan's professional life included roles at Strawbridge & Clothier in Philadelphia, First Federal Savings & Loan in Hammonton, NJ, Premium FSB in Gibbsboro, NJ, and Integrion Financial Network in Philadelphia, PA, before her retirement in 2000.

Beyond her career, Susan's true passion lay in serving others and nurturing her many interests. She was deeply committed to her faith, actively involved in her church community at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Dover, DE, and previously at Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Berlin, NJ and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, PA. Her contributions were extensive, serving as President of the Church Council, Chair of the Worship & Music Committee, an Assisting Minister, reader, and a member of the Evangelism and Pastoral Care Committees. She dedicated countless hours to writing and maintaining minutes, serving lunches, organizing activities, teaching, creating "Soup to Share" to help make food, and preparing meals for funerals.

Susan's generosity extended to her neighborhood, where she regularly cooked meals and drove those unable to appointments. For seven years, she diligently created and wrote a monthly newsletter for her Homeowner's Association. A talented seamstress, she sewed and performed alterations for over 50 people in the community.

Her love for quilting was a significant part of her life. Susan was an officer, serving as President and Treasurer, and a board member and Facebook/website coordinator for the Helping Hands Quilt Guild. She volunteered extensively, manning events by working tables and making items to sell. She was a proud member of the Quilts of Valor National Foundation, actively participating in local and national efforts to make quilts and conduct QOV ceremonies. As coordinator for the Cotton Club Quilters, she led a quilting bee of 30 ladies under Helping Hands, scheduling and executing sew dates and activities. Her compassionate spirit led her to make quilts for Habitat for Humanity, Quilting For Others, and provide quilts and pillowcases for local hospitals.

Susan will be remembered for her loving and giving nature, her kindness, respect, forgiveness, and profound compassion. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and her seven wonderful grandchildren, watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments. She cherished their annual summer "vacations," filled with trips, activities, museums, swimming, and picnics. "My life has been fulfilled," she often expressed.

Susan leaves behind a legacy of love and service, carried on by her devoted children, Jane Ann and Fred (wife Erica [Gray] Hoecker), and her seven cherished grandchildren (Jacob Jelesiewicz (Danielle), Ethan Hoecker, Harry Jelesiewicz, Seth Hoecker, Logan Jelesiewicz (Sara), Annika Hoecker, Joshua Hoecker. She embraced the sentiment: "Those we love are never really lost to us, we feel them in so many special ways, through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days in words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone. Those we love are never really lost to us for everywhere their special love lives on."

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:00 AM at Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, DE 19963. A calling hour will be held an hour before the service at 10am and a small reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, donations may be made in Susan's name to the Quilts of Valor (QOV) National Foundation at QOVF, PO Box 191, Winterset, IA 50273.