Susan Ellen Hacker Judisch

Susan Ellen Hacker Judisch

Iowa City

Susan Ellen Hacker Judisch, 84, of Iowa City, passed away at her home under Hospice Care surrounded by her children on Nov. 28, 2023.

Susan was born on Dec. 3, 1938, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Joe and Alice (Lovejoy) Hacker, where her father was a businessman and entrepreneur. She graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in 1956, then attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind. She later transferred to the University of Iowa, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts in 1960. It was there that she met her husband, Frank and they were wed in 1959.

Sue was very active and enjoyed numerous hobbies and interests with friends and family over the course of her life, including tennis, gardening, board games and puzzles, as well as bridge and other card games with “her ladies.”

Sue was very active in the Arts and Theater, serving on the Hancher Guild for many years, supporting community theater and participating in local musicals.

A cancer survivor of almost 40 years, Sue was very active in the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and would also meet with other survivors to share her experiences and help them adjust to their individual circumstance as she had so miraculously done.

In her later life, and in seeming defiance of challenges, she traveled extensively, including adventures to China, Russia and multiple trips to Europe with her husband and friends, showing the strength of her resolve, that no obstacle was too big for her to overcome and exemplifying her motto of “Better to Beg Forgiveness than Ask Permission!”

A devoted wife and mother, and the rock of her family, Susan was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Frank, and is survived by her children: Frank Jr. (J.P. Perkins), Lisa (Scott) Graham, Mary Beth (Chris) Cartwright and John (Jennifer); 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and her brother, Fred; as well as two nieces and a nephew.

Per her wishes, there will be no public funeral. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Iowa City Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice as Sue and her family would be honored by your generosity.