Susan Kern Dodge's Obituary
Susan Kern Dodge, Loved Cats and The Rolling Stones
Susan Dodge, 73 at the time of her death on June 11, 2026, was born a “Beebe Baby” in Lewes, DE on May 6, 1953. She passed away at home, peacefully, but unexpectedly, in her sleep. Susan will be remembered by her family and friends as a kind, loving and generous woman who cared deeply about animals, the fate of our country and of the planet, donating to causes she was passionate about and making a special effort to find the perfect gifts to celebrate those she loved.
After traveling to Florida, Michigan and other locales in the U.S. and working in the restaurant business, Susan returned to Delaware, obtained a degree in computer science and had a lengthy career as an I.T. specialist at Beebe Medical Center. In retirement she enjoyed a laid-back life filled with friends and family, her cats, shopping, and watching television, and was also able to take memorable trips to Ecuador and the Galapagos and Ireland with her sister and sister’s husband. Susan loved rock and roll music, traveling to multiple events, with a number of Rolling Stones concerts and a blues festival in New Orleans among her favorites. She had a special place in her heart for Keith Richards.
In addition to her parents, Robert Mapes Dodge and Marion “Totey” Ruckman Dodge, her stepmother Jane Chambers Dodge and brother, Robert Mapes Dodge Jr., Susan was preceded in death by a notable relative, her great-great grandmother, Mary Mapes Dodge, who wrote “Hans Brinker or the Silver Skaters” and was the editor of “St. Nicolas Magazine for Children”, as well as many other accomplished ancestors in the Dodge and Ruckman families. She is also predeceased by two beloved cats, Hounddoggie and Elvis.
Susan is survived by her sister Mary Sturges Dodge and husband Tom Evans, her brother’s wife Laura Spencer, half-brother Peter Mapes Dodge and wife Gina, half-sister Pamela Dodge Tucker and their families, as well as many cousins and step siblings. Her surviving cat Jay Lynn, now resides with Sturges and Tom.
A private burial will be held at St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson. Donations to charities that help make the world a better and more livable place and enjoying some good music would be fitting tributes to Susan’s life and legacy.
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