Susan L. “Susie” Simpson, 82, of Gettysburg, PA, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2026, at York Hospital.
Born in Gettysburg on August 16, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Wilmer & Anna (Shealer) Dracha. Susie was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Donald L. “Donnie” Simpson, who passed in 2017.
Susie was a lifelong resident of the Gettysburg area who took great pride in her family, her community, and the simple beauty of everyday life. She found deep joy living on the farm, where she felt most at home surrounded by nature. She cared lovingly for her animals over the years—including her two beloved black labs, as well as cats, goats, and chickens—and had a remarkable knowledge of the wildlife and plant life around her, from deer and turkeys to raccoons and vultures.
She had a natural gift for connecting with others and truly loved conversation. Whether sitting around the kitchen table reminiscing about old times or sharing jokes—often with playful teasing on all sides—Susie brought laughter and warmth wherever she went. Known for her great sense of humor, she was a natural storyteller whose “stories” will be deeply missed.
A free spirit at heart, Susie brought fun and energy into her role as an aunt, often engaging in playful adventures like mudslinging battles at the pond. She carried that same creativity into her everyday life. A deeply imaginative and artistic person, she enjoyed making unique crafts and expressing herself through her many talents.
Susie also had a passion for cooking and gardening. She took pride in growing and canning her own food and was known among family and friends for her delicious homemade specialties, including breads, garlic pretzels, and holiday dips. She even shared her creations with others, often bringing homemade treats to her doctor visits for the staff to enjoy.
She was a 1962 graduate of Gettysburg High School. Her working years reflected both her creativity and her love of people. One of her first jobs was at Rea & Derick on the square in Gettysburg, where she managed the lunch and soda counter. She later worked at Dougherty and Hartley Fabric Center, where she combined her sewing knowledge with her friendly personality to help customers.
Susie loved all types of music, from classical and country to opera and Native American flute music, and found joy in its ability to inspire and comfort. In her later years, she could often be seen driving her John Deere Gator down the lane on her daily trips to pick up the mail or visit with neighbors—simple routines that reflected her deep connection to the place she called home.
The youngest of five, she was predeceased by sisters, D. Jane Williams and husband William “Bill” Williams, Dorothy “Dot” Shindledecker and her husband Kenneth “Kenny”, a brother, Clarence “Jake” Dracha, and a nephew, Timothy “Tim” Williams. Susie is survived by her brother, Richard “Dick” Dracha, niece, Jenny Williams Simpson and husband Rod, nephews, Todd “Bink” Williams and wife Lisa and Tim Geedy along with numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be private. The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is assisting with the funeral arrangements. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com. Memorials can be made to the Adams County SPCA, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.