Susan Gillespie

Susan Kegler Gillespie

March 21, 1944-August 31, 2022

Susan Kegler Gillespie was born on March 21, 1944 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Raymond F. Kegler and Madalyn Robinson Kegler. She spent her childhood in New Haven, Indiana and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she formed life-long friendships.

After high school, Susie moved to Grandview, Ohio with the rest of the Kegler family. She made friends throughout her career, most especially at the National Water Well Association, Anadem Publishing, and the office of Dr. Andrew Quillin.

Susie met her husband, Donald Gillespie, in Columbus, Ohio in 1974. They married in 1977 and settled in Clintonville, their shared home for the next 45 years. Susie was well-known in the neighborhood for her commitment to fitness (many recognized her walking extensive miles around 43214), her volunteer activity with schools (Duxberry Park, Immaculate Conception, Bishop Watterson) and church (Immaculate Conception), and her membership in card, game and bridge clubs.

Susie will be most dearly remembered by her family, for whom she was an exemplary cookie baker and decorator, volunteer hair-stylist, annual Thanksgiving host, and source of unconditional love and support. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Madalyn; sister Holly Burkhart; mother in-law and father in-law Edith and Robert Gillespie; sister in-law Kay Shaffer.

Susie is survived by Don, loving husband of 45 years; children Betsy Gillespie and Doug (Shannon) Gillespie; grandchildren Madalyn and Gabriel Ralley, and Isla and Mae Gillespie, who call her FooFoo; brother Chuck (Twi) Kegler; sisters Rose (Steve) Hallarn and Jean (Marty) McSweeney; brothers in-law Paul (Judy) Gillespie and Bruce Shaffer. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

During the brief illness prior to her passing, the importance of Susie’s many strong friendships was abundantly clear, and her family thanks all who provided support during these challenging days. She was loved by all who knew her for her kindness, humor, generosity, and strong faith.

Funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 East North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio,  at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022, followed by a luncheon for family and friends. Family will be invited to the interment ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution in Susan’s memory to Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Kobacker House, or to another favorite cause.