Suzanne M. Steitz

Suzanne M. Steitz of Pittsburgh, Pa. Passed away at the age of 88 on October 11, 2022. She was born on October 7, 1934 to the late Eleanor and William J. Murdoch of Mt. Lebanon, PA.

Suzie attended Our Lady of Mercy Academy for high school and went on to earn a degree in Home Economics with Carnegie Tech in 1956.

Her true love was her family and she travelled almost continuously to the far corners of the country and globe in order to spend time with them.  Her love and support was a constant presence in the lives of her four children, thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren as she was always there for weddings, graduations, sports events, theatrical plays and birthdays.  To her children and grandchildren, “Grams” (or “Grambo” as she was later known after her skill with water cannons overwhelmed her grandsons) was always there with a smile and love and encouragement to share. Occasionally she might even share her M&M’s—if there was enough!

Suzie also cared deeply for her close friends that gave her strength and love during her life.  Her family are extremely grateful for her friends and the love and support they showed for Suzie, especially as she struggled with multiple physical challenges later in life.  In spite of these challenges, she always maintained a positive outlook and a will to overcome whatever difficulties came her way, ever an example for all.

Her passion for working with many organizations in planning and organizing fundraising and celebratory events was well known and appreciated.  Long before the term “Event Planner” was coined, Suzie had a gift for making a special event truly unique.  Her talents touched the opening parties for the Subway, Airport and Warhol Museum along with many others.  She was instrumental in the annual Carnegie Christmas Tree Exhibit, working tirelessly to help the exhibit open for the holidays.  She was an active member on the Women’s Committee at the Carnegie Museum and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Board. Her proudest accomplishment was assisting the creation of the Polo Match Fundraiser for Family House, an event that lives on today and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the facility.

Suzie loved the outdoors and loved sharing it with friends and family.  Skiing at Seven Springs, vacations at the Jersey shore and winter nights playing paddleball—Suzie was ever the enthusiast.  If too cold, it was book club and bridge if she wasn’t traveling across the country to attend a family event.

The family would like to give special thanks for the care and compassion of Suzie’s caregivers who made it possible for her to live independently for so long.  She will likely be doing the Sunday Times crossword puzzle in Heaven this weekend.

Suzie is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Jim), William (Pamela), Charles (Janet), and Timothy (Kristie), as well brothers David (Agnes), William (Mame), and sister Rosemary (Charles). Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Sunday October 16, 2022 from 3-6 PM. Funeral Monday, October 17, 2022, Mass of Christian Burial St. Mary Magdalene Parish, St. Bede Church at 11:30 AM (Everyone please gather at church). Interment in Homewood Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Extra Mile Foundation, Two Gateway Center, 603 Stanwix St. #348, Pittsburgh PA 15222.

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