Susan E. Hellmann

Susan Elizabeth Spencer Hellmann, lovingly known by family as Aunt Sue, and friends as Susan, peacefully departed this life on May 14, 2025, at the age of 86 in Loveland, Ohio. Born on December 15, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Susan was the cherished daughter of the late Naomi Spencer Berning. She grew up alongside sisters Virginia Spencer Stephenson, who preceded her in death, and Patricia Spencer Berning, who survives her.

Susan graduated from Regina High School and was devoted to her alma mater, tirelessly organizing class reunions for more than five decades. Following high school, she worked as an executive secretary at Ford Motor Company, In 1958, she married her husband and lifelong partner, Jerry Hellmann, embarking on a life enriched by love, faith, and adventure.

After raising her children and volunteering for the Miamiville Civic Association and the local Cub Scout troop, Susan, an intelligent woman of exceptional poise and competence, nurtured a career of dedication and excellence. She was the Director of Religious Education at St. Gertrude School in Madeira, OH, and ultimately found her calling at Glenmary Home Missioners where she worked in the Mission Office.

Susan retired in 2004, but her heart for service never ceased. A longtime member and devoted volunteer at Good Shepherd Church, Susan was deeply committed to the St. Vincent de Paul program, gladly giving her time and attention to helping individuals in need. Her giving heart extended to those who were homebound, regularly taking Holy Communion to shut-ins.

Susan lived her life defined by grace and refinement. An entertainer extraordinaire, she effortlessly created gatherings marked by beauty, warmth, laughter, and love. With an elegance matched by her generosity, she opened her home frequently, hosting dinner parties where family and friends celebrated life's precious moments together. Beyond gatherings in her home, Susan adored the arts, frequently attending plays and symphony performances, enriching the lives of those around her with culture and charm, and occasionally her very unique laughter.

Central to Susan's identity was her profound kindness, generosity, calm spirit, and extraordinary wisdom. In private conversation over coffee or a glass of wine, Susan's steady, gentle manner inspired and comforted all who encountered her.

For decades, Susan and Jerry were also active participants in Bible study with their beloved circle of friends, growing in faith and fellowship together. Susan and Jerry traveled the world, collecting priceless memories and cherishing those unforgettable friendships. In retirement, she found a special joy at Marco Island, Florida where she created many treasured experiences and memories.

Susan was preceded in death by her sister Ginny Stephenson and her son Dane Spencer Hellmann. She lives on in the hearts of her beloved husband Jerry Hellmann; her daughter Lesle Goodhart and son-in-law Bob Goodhart; daughter Sidney Richards; grandsons Joseph (Savannah) Hellmann and Gavin (Cassidy) Richards; great grandson Theo Hellmann; her sister Patricia Spencer Berning; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Services celebrating Susan’s beautiful life will be held at Good Shepherd Church, 8815 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, on Friday, May 23, 2025. Visitation will take place from 10:45 to 11:45 AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at noon, co-officiated by Bishop Joe Binzer and Glenmary priest Chet Artysiewicz. Following her wishes, Susan’s remains will be cremated.

We offer this prayer and tribute to our dear Susan, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, and Friend:

I pray you'll be our eyes

And watch us where we go

And help us to be wise

In times when we don't know.

Let this be our prayer

When we lose our way

Lead us to a place

Guide us with your grace

To a place where we’ll be safe

I pray we’ll find your light

And hold it in our hearts

When stars go out each night

Let this be our prayer

When shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place

Guide us with your grace

Give us your faith

So we’ll be safe

We ask that life be kind

And that you watch us from above

(Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli – The Prayer)