Susanne Marie DiPiero

Susanne was born November 1, 1942 in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Chuck and Dolly Linder and younger sister of the late Carol Zeltner (George).

After graduating from Duquesne University, Sue became a registered nurse and found her calling in educating future nurses at Presbyterian Hospital, the University of Pittsburgh, and later Duquesne, where she also co-founded an Appalachia ministry.

On November 25, 1972, Sue married Jim, and together they raised Julie (David Maloni), Jill (Christopher Kerr), and Jimmy. Sue was an active and devoted member of Saint Thomas More Church, serving in many capacities, including parish council president, Eucharistic Minister, the Moms Ministry, Bible Study, Pre-Cana, and RCIA. In 2005, she became a founding board member of Hekima Place, a home for vulnerable girls in Kenya, where she became lovingly known as “Mum Sue.” One of Hekima Place’s five homes was later built and named in her honor.

Sue was a passionate advocate for her son Jimmy and other children with intellectual disabilities. She helped bring the St. Anthony inclusion program to St. Thomas More School, co-authored a catechism for children with disabilities, and served on the boards of Mainstay Life Services and PA Connecting Communities.

With her beloved husband, Sue cherished a life rooted in faith, friendship, and family. Sue and Jim enjoyed Mass, dinners with friends, gardening, and travels to Kenya, Greece, and Italy. She treasured her many friendships, from her exercise and kayaking groups to lunches with friends and celebrations with her special circle of moms. She adored her seven grandchildren—Matty, Josie, Annie, and Mary Sue Maloni, and Benny, Patrick, and James Kerr. She loved each of them with a deep devotion, and they, in turn, adored their Nanny, her cookies, and Nanny bread. Her warmth, joy, and unconditional love left an indelible mark on each of their lives.

The center of Sue’s life was her faith, which inspired her deep love and compassion for others. Her joyful spirit, warm smile, and generous heart reached far beyond her family, touching friends, strangers, and especially those in need. A prayer warrior and trusted confidant, Sue had a gift for walking alongside others in difficult seasons, offering comfort, encouragement, and unwavering care.

All are welcome Friday, August 14, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, FREYVOGEL-SLATER FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 112 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park, 412-835-1860. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10 AM, St. Thomas More Church, Resurrection Parish, 126 Fort Couch Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HEART Ministries Inc., PO Box 390, West Point, VA 23181, designate the Master Builders Education Center in the memo line.