Susan Brown Reinhold

Susan Brown Reinhold died the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the age of 87 years, at her home in Abita Springs, Louisiana. She is survived by her loving daughter-in-law, Patricia Carbajal, step-grandson, Lionel Carbajal, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She was much loved by all the nieces and nephews for her “crazy aunt” heart and mind. She was the trickster of the family reunions in Stone Harbor at the Jersey Shore, where the family has gathered every July for over 40 year, and still does. Susan was born on February 12, 1930 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to the late James F. Brown, Sr. and the late Anne Cannon Brown. Her heritage was deeply rooted in Ireland. Her father was born in Allentown to Irish immigrants; her mother, born in Doochary, Ireland, immigrated as an infant to Allentown. It was there that she was raised with her 7 brothers and sisters. All were highly educated and were politically and culturally active members of their community. Her siblings included a judge, doctor, priest, nurse, an administrator of the YWCA, and a homemaker. Susan lived most of her life in Allentown, Pennsylvania and was a member of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church where her mother attended daily mass. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and worked as a Dental Hygienist in the Lehigh Public Schools for 35 years. Susan’s youngest son, Michael, died of a congenital kidney condition as a senior in high school. She had the support of her two sisters and the distraction of work then, but her greatest loss was that of her oldest, Daniel, when he unexpectedly dropped dead of a massive heart attack at his home in Abita Springs a little over 2 years ago. She remained with her daughter-in-law, as Abita Springs was her home now since Daniel had brought her there to live with him and his wife before his untimely passing. Susan was also predeceased by her seven siblings, Mary Molseed (Cecil), Kathleen Brown, Grace Brown, Anne Iobst (Joseph), James Brown (Jean), Hugh Brown (Dorothy), and Robert Brown. Susan was an artist and lover of life: flowers, exotic cultures, foods from lands far away, live music, jewelry, and colorful flowing clothes, especially Blue Fish. She played the piano and painted nature. She attended festivals, local concerts, and the symphony; she even participated in the local Abita Springs parade. Her other loves were dogs, especially boxers, and ice cream, especially Angelo Brocato’s Vanilla Bean. The family is indebted to the loving, devoted care of her two attendants, Carol Levatino and Barbara Rintrona, during Susie’s last years. Appreciation and gratitude are also extended to Community Care Hospice, especially nurse Rick Thomas and social worker Reggie Frederick, as well as numerous other employees who cared for Susan with the utmost compassion and dignity. They all made it possible for her to remain in her home, living out her life to the fullest, with the highest quality. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Jane de Chantel Catholic Church, 72040 Maple St., Abita Springs, LA 70420 on November 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Family and friends are invited afterwards for refreshments and memories at the Carbajal home. Burial will be private in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at Holy Savior Cemetery in the Brown family plot. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Susan’s name to Holy Family Hospitality Hermitage, Inc., a ministry to the poor in her area. A check can be sent to Holy Family Hospitality Hermitage, Inc. c/o Sr. Theresa Berlin 30226 Woodrow Magee Rd. Franklinton, LA 70438. An online guest book is available at https://www.neptunesociety.com/location/new-orleans-cremation. Arrangements entrusted to Neptune Society of New Orleans, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065. 504-464-3095.