Susannah Jacqueline Kirchner

Susannah J. Linton was born on April 1, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA and died on December 22, 2024 in Camarillo, CA at 86 years of age. She passed into the arms of the Lord peacefully after receiving the Last Rites of the Catholic Church and was surrounded by her children.

Suzie was the only child of Carmela DeLess Linton and William Thatcher Linton. As a child she spent a lot of time with her maternal grandmother and many cousins. Her elementary years were defined by her time at Master Misericordia Academy boarding school run by the Sisters of Mercy then on to The Academy of the Sisters of Mercy for high school. She spoke fondly of her years at boarding school with many of life’s lessons being learned along the way. It was here where she learned many of the skills that brought her much joy in her life such as the art of sewing and needle work, playing the piano, harp, flute and dancing ballet.

After high school, she attended her mother’s alma mater Chestnut Hill College and majored in English with a minor in Music. Graduating in 1960 she decided that she wanted to teach deaf children. After teaching for one year she continued her education at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C where she graduated in 1962 with a Masters of Education for the Deaf.

In 1963 she met Carl J. Kirchner at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) while doing her student teaching. Their union was a match made in heaven and they were married on August 8, 1964. This began a life full of adventure as they lived in many states around the country as Carl and Suzie dedicated their life to the education of deaf students while growing a family of their own.

Suzie taught all levels of education including community college and university. She was a master of the English language and loved to write. She published 2 books on games used to teach American Sign Language, Play It By Sign and Sign for All Seasons, as well as numerous professional papers on the topic. Poetry and short stories were her passion. She was always putting her thoughts, feelings and ideas into the beautiful written word while continuing to share her love of learning to thousands of students during her 41 years in education. She retired in 2001.

Suzie was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, writer and friend to many. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, write, and teach. She was always in the teaching mode no matter the topic or the age of the “student”. Her curiosity would leave no question unanswered and her unbelievable ability to patiently lend a listening ear would often be the cure that many of us needed on a tough day. Additionally she could resolve most cooking / baking mishaps via a quick phone call.

Suzie always had a delicious meal ready for anyone in the area as her home, Rainbow’s End, was a welcoming destination to thousands of visitors from around the world. Suzie and Carl entertained and hosted many memorable events from incredible Christmas season gatherings and parties to high stakes pie baking competitions. These events were a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds which have undoubtedly enriched the lives of so many that were privileged to be part of Suzie and Carl's Rainbow's End.

Suzie is survived by her 4 children: Carolynne (CJ), Jon, Jennifer (Jenny) and Matthew (Maje) and their spouses, Bill, Monica, Larry, Paula; and 11 grandchildren: Abigail, Zachary, Rebecca, Sarah, Justin, Milena, Molly, Quinn, Nieve, Alexander and Thomas.

Internment will be at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles where her spirit can listen to the choir and organ music every day where she will be close to Carl and the Lord.