Susanna Hanusz, 85, of Newark, died at her home, surrounded by the love of her daughters, on Sunday, May 12, 2024. She was born in Budapest, Hungary on May 22, 1938, to the late Istvan and Rose (Hirtz) Kerekes.

Susanna attended Kanizsay Dorottya Gimnázium, Egészségügyi Technikum és Szakképző Iskola (High School). Following the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Susanna fled her country on foot, seeking refuge in Austria. She completed high school in Vienna and started her college education.

She traveled to Canada and started her career. During this time, Susanna reconnected with her soon to be husband, Leslie, whose acquaintance she made in Vienna. They married in 1959 and with the help of Ed Sullivan, Susanna and Leslie gained sponsorship into the United States.  In 1971, they moved to the Newark area to raise their family.

Susanna was an avid bridge player and loved playing racquetball in the local leagues.  She found her greatest joy in supporting her daughters in their swimming endeavors. Taking them daily to swim practices and to swim meets all over Ohio.  She had the same commitment for her granddaughters, Caillie with her swimming and Livia with her music.

Susanna was dedicated to her family and friends, both in the U.S and in Hungary.  Another joy in her life was her love for her animals.

She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Clarice Hanusz (Johnny Dyson) and Susan (Clayton) Barnett; 2 granddaughters, Caillie and Livia Barnett; brother-in-law, Joe Batho; nephew, Laszlo Batho; dear family friends, Jim and Pat Geaman and their families; and many close cousins and extended family still living in Hungary.

The family would also like to thank all of these individuals who showed compassion to our mother during this difficult time in our lives, including those at Ohio Living Hospice, especially KK, Arica, Amber, Courtney and Gayle.  Also a special thanks to all the love and care Terry provided.

In addition to her parents, Susanna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leslie L. Hanusz; and sister, Klara.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where Susanna was a longtime parishioner.

Memorials in Susanna's name can be made to a cause that was very dear to her: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.