Suzann G. Frishkorn

Suzann Jolan (Geidel) Frishkorn, age 93, of Valencia Pennsylvania, passed away from old age on Tuesday morning, May 21, 2024, at the St. Barnabas Nursing facility in Gibsonia following a long period of suffering. She had Scarlet/Rheumatic fever as a child at age 2. The fever, along with sepsis, caused severe hearing loss and joint damage that plagued her mobility during her entire life, although she rarely complained about it. The doctors thought she would die before the age of 10, but she proved them all wrong by 83 years!

Born in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, PA on February 19, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Gertrude (Sheriff) Geidel during the great depression. She spent her childhood in Squirrel Hill with her parents and extended family, before moving to Shaler as a senior in high school. She later became the glue that held our family together by hosting years of family gatherings. She had the gift of hospitality. Suzann loved her large extended family and took care of many as they aged.

Suzann was confirmed in the Lutheran church and remained active in church until her health no longer allowed her to attend. As a young adult, she travelled to Europe by boat for a Lutheran student conference shortly after the war. She met her future husband George through the Lutheran Student Association in Pittsburgh (Oakland) while attending Carnegie Tech (Margaret Morrison College) while George attended Pitt. She graduated with a degree in fashion design. Later she did graduate work at the University of Montana in Bozeman and developed an interest in early childhood education.

Her early career included working with special needs children at the Western Pennsylvania School for the deaf and later at the Western Psychiatric Hospital under Dr. Spock plus worked with one of Sigmund Freud's daughters. She was also a counselor at Camp Lutherlyn.

She married George Frishkorn on August 22, 1953, in Pittsburgh. They remained married for over 70 years. During that time, they lived in Pittsburgh (Shady Side), Akron, Pleasant Hills and ultimately Shaler Township where they spent most of their married life until retiring to St. Barnabas in Valencia, Butler County, PA around 2006.

While living in Shaler, Suzann worked as the Director of Berkley Hills Lutheran Preschool during the 1960s through the 1980s. In addition to being a preschool director, homemaker, and elder caregiver, she volunteered in many capacities at the Berkley Hills Lutheran Church including teaching Sunday school, church council, planning various events and leading/participating in various women's groups. She was also active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Women's "liberation" was a big topic of discussion at those meetings in the 1960s.

After moving to Valencia, she became a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Cranberry Twp. She also volunteered at St. Barnabas and led a women's book discussion group.

Suzann enjoyed reading, writing, gardening, cooking, sewing, history, hosting parties and of course spending time with family and friends. She was very creative, continually working on various writing projects. She was a tough scrabble player and always came up with unusual words that no one else knew. In the 1950s and 1960's she made most of her own clothes including her wedding gown. Suzann was an excellent cook and could do amazing things with leftovers. She had a great memory and would tell the tales of our extended family.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, George H. Frishkorn, children, Karen (Keith) Krueger, Andrew A (Nancy) Frishkorn, five grandchildren, Katy Reese, Matthew (Sarah) Frishkorn, Daniel (Sophia) Frishkorn, Samantha (Evan) Peters and Adam (Peyton) Krueger plus 2 great grandchildren Emma Reese and Elijah Frishkorn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Gertrude Geidel and her brother, Albert Geidel.

Arrangements are being completed by the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Suzann's to St. Barnabas Free Care Fund via https://stbarnabashealthsystem.com/charities/donate-now/. She will be buried in the Smithfield Cemetery in Pittsburgh with a graveside service at a later date. On her tomb stone she requested it to say "She Rose Above It" - and she sure did!