Susan Hemington Tait September 9, 1947- January 30, 2005 Susan Hemington Tait, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to many, departed this earth on Sunday January 30th. In fact, those who knew her would agree that the term "one of a kind" could have been easily coined for her alone. Born in Uniontown, PA, Susan was the daughter of the late Mary G. and J. Edward Hemington. She grew up in West Alexander and Washington in Western Pennsylvania. She graduated from Washington High School in 1965 and from West Virginia University with a degree in Parks and Recreation in 1969.
She met her husband John at the Unitarian Fellowship Daycare where they were both employed. They were married on December 1st, 1973, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Susan and John then embarked on their life adventure together, and eventually settled on the Tait Family Farm in Boalsburg, building their own home in the woods on the side of Tussey Mountain. She spent several years as Director of Volunteers at the Lewistown Hospital and later became the Director of the State College Senior Citizens Center. Susan then moved on to a career in family counseling, where she was widely known for her exceptional work with group therapy clients. Through her counseling, Susan touched and profoundly affected a great many lives. Susan's insights and her use of creative drama in group sessions provided a safe and healing environment for her many clients. Susan will be remembered for her love of life, her crazy sense of adventure, her love of animals and nature and her commitment to world peace. A multi-faceted activist, she abhorred violence and war and prayed that all people would live in harmony. She will always be remembered as a positive force in the lives of others.
She is survived by husband John, her brother John Hemington and family of McMurray, PA, daughter Molly, and son Benjamin. Ben, his wife June, and children Madeyln & Fletcher live in Ashburn, VA. Susan is also survived by her husband's parents Elton and Marion Tait, of Boalsburg.
She will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends whose lives were touched by her special love. A public celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 5, at 2:00 PM at the University Baptist & Brethren Church. 411 S. Burrows St. State College, PA 16801 (near corner of Burrows and Nittany Ave). Dress comfortably. Additional parking is available in the Frazer St. Parking garage (downtown) between College & Beaver.
Susan was an avid supporter of the House of Care, which provides a home for those in need of hospice care in the Centre Region. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made, in memory of Susan Tait, to the House of Care, 515 West Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801.