This is Susan's brother, David. My beloved brother-in-law, Paul, who cherished my sister and always treated her so well, has asked that we share with you this obituary. Please know that I, Paul, my wife, and others in our family have been lifted up and comforted by the overwhelming expression of love you have shown for our Susan and the support you have offered us. Thank you, and may God bless you.
* * * *
Susan H. Haughton, 62, of King George, Virginia, departed this life – much too soon but peacefully – at her home on Friday, March 8, 2019. The devoted and supportive wife of Paul F. Haughton for 23 years, Susan’s dedication to family found expression as well as a loving and attentive daughter, a loyal sister, and a thoughtful aunt and cousin. Beyond her family, the ever-widening circle of friends she made and kept through the years testifies to the life Susan lived from her earliest days: full-out, expressive, joyous.
A lifelong Virginian, born in Lompoc, California, but raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia, Susan was an accomplished realtor in Alexandria, Virginia. As hardworking and dedicated to her clients as she was, Susan was equally committed to serving her local community, including most particularly the disadvantaged. Susan served on the Board of Directors of the King George Family YMCA, and most recently had taken on the responsibility of serving as the chair of the Jay Massad Annual Support Campaign.
Susan’s commitment extended beyond the managerial. She was an enthusiastic and tireless hands-on participant as well, volunteering in the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program, a community outreach program where children in need are partnered with volunteer shoppers, to provide new clothes and school supplies at the start of the school year. Susan worked one-on-one as well with the YMCA’s Power Scholars Program, coming to lunch with academically and economically at-risk children during the school year. The YMCA’s Active Older Adult program found Susan reaching out to isolated seniors in the King George community, to offer friendship and support. Outside of the YMCA’s formal programs, Susan participated in the “Lunch Bunch,” a faith-based community program that provides free lunch-time meals to disadvantaged children during the summer months.
Love of country, and support for the troops who defend the Nation’s freedom, were not abstractions for Susan. As ever, she committed her time and energy and not simply lip-service. On the home front, Susan and her husband Paul hosted annual events for the benefit of disabled veterans. Susan devoted time and treasure to both the Virginia Veteran Services Foundation and the Vigilant Torch Association. On other fronts and in other ways, too, Susan was dedicated, and made contributions, to the defense of the country she loved. In all these things, in the time she was allotted, Susan lived out Isaiah 6:8: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’”
Susan was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Grace Inskeep Harlow of Mechanicsville, Virginia. Susan is survived by her husband Paul; her father D. Scott Harlow of Mechanicsville, Virginia; her brother David S. Harlow and his wife, Sharon L. Harlow, of Germantown, Maryland; and her niece Brittany Ward, of Grottoes, Virginia, and her second cousin Edie Raines, of Ashland, Virginia. Susan especially looked upon Brittany and Edie (along with Brittany’s husband, Joe Ward) as her own. In addition, Susan is survived by numerous cousins and an expansive universe of friends.
Her love of animals being well known, Susan would insist that her family not leave unmentioned that she is survived by her German Shepherd “Mia,” and was preceded in death by “Ilse,” she too a German Shepherd.
Interment will be at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, Virginia, on Thursday, March 14, during which there will be a private service for immediate family members. In the days thereafter, there will be a memorial celebration of Susan’s life, at a date and place to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who wish may make a contribution to the King George Family YMCA. 10545 Kings Highway, King George, Virginia 22485. (540)-775-9622. https://family-ymca.org/find-a-y/king-george/
For additional information, please contact Storke Funeral Home. (800) 786-7531. http://storkefuneralhome.com/
Comments(10)