Susan Brilhart, 64, of State College, departed this life on Sunday, April 15, 2012 after a 3 ½ year battle with cancer. She was valiant and upbeat in her struggle, but there was much more to her life than this.
She was born in Johnstown, PA on August 6, 1947 to Lillian C. Brilhart of State College and the late John K. Brilhart. She and her family moved to State College in 1955.
Susan graduated from State College Area High School in 1965, and was employed by Penn State University, working almost 40 years at Pattee-Paterno Library.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by siblings, Beverly Ibanez and husband Gordon of Tyrone, John G. Brilhart and wife Patricia of Columbia, MO, Keith D. Brilhart and wife SiuIng of Honolulu, HI; step-siblings, Bruce Leib of Gainesville, VA, and Marla Palma of Raphine, VA and their respective spouses. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
Growing up, Susan was often misunderstood and suffered many years from this. In spite of these difficulties, she eventually found her place in the world. Through her work at Pattee Library, she gained a confidence in her own self so she accomplish things like wear hilarious costumes for Halloween and present gags to get a laugh out of others. She loved travelling to see distant and exotic locations and experiencing different roller coaster rides. She always had a love for animals and found ways to support and raise awareness for the cause of animal welfare. From her earliest days, she had a love of comedy and could lose herself in any music that was upbeat and up tempo.
It is s aid that life is not fair, and Susan is further evidence of this. She did not exhibit the common vices of smoking, drinking, or laziness. She walked or rode the bus daily to work, even when the pain would have made many stay at home. She would walk miles to attend events because she did not drive a vehicle, but that would not stand in the way of experiencing life and what it has to offer. When her financial advisor explained that she could retire and have more income than if she were working, she suggested that she could volunteer to keep contributing to the workplace.
Sadly, she didn't make it to the milestone of retirement, only a few months away by normal standards. She will be missed by many who knew her as a uniquely joyful human being.
The family of Susan Brilhart is having a Memorial Celebration of her life at Celebration Hall, 2280 Commercial Bvld., State College on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 2-4 pm. Feel free to bring any pictures you would like to share.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Susan's memory may be made to any wild horse rescue or animal welfare organization, or to http://www.usautism.org. The Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, is assisting the Brilhart family in the arrangements. A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com .