Obituary of Susan Elizabeth Shellhammer

In Loving Memory of Susan Elizabeth Shellhammer Conneaut—Susan Elizabeth Shellhammer, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 21, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home. She was born on March 5, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Bertram E. and Jean E. (Kenyon) Denkelberg. Her family moved to Conneaut when she was a young child because her father, who was a sailor on the Great Lakes, frequently docked at Port Conneaut. Susan graduated from Rowe High School in the Class of 1960. Susan was a former member of the First United Methodist Church, where she found joy in singing in the choir. She had a passion for playing cards with her weekly bridge club and was an avid bowler. Growing up, Susan cherished her time with the Girl Scouts, creating fond memories that she carried with her throughout her life. Her professional journey began at East Ohio Gas, after which she became a Realtor for several agencies, including Realty 1, Gleason, Prudential, Select, and Century 21. Susan also worked as an insurance inspector for ISO, Transamerica, and Western & Southern, often sharing her interesting tales from the job with others. Her retail career included positions at K-Mart, Dillard's, JC Penney, and the Tall Girl Shop, where she enjoyed meeting many customers. Susan loved the outdoors and spent many days at the lake, traveling to see the ocean, birdwatching, swimming, and enjoying music. Her appreciation for nature and zest for life were evident to everyone who knew her. Susan cherished the many family trips to unique events, and the family fondly recalls the many trips to see the various car and air shows. Her grandchildren were also dear to her and loved to support them in their many activities. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her memories will live on in those who survive her, including her daughters, Stacey Shellhammer, Karen (Michael) Schmaeman, and Jennifer (Michael) Breeze; sister, Sally Denkelberg; and her grandchildren, Karissa Shellhammer, William "Billy" and Sara Schmaeman, Elizabeth "EV" and Taylor Breeze. She was preceded in death by her parents; and longtime friend and father of her children, William T. Shellhammer. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 4PM-6PM at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut. Memorials in her memory may be given to the Madox Cat Rescue, 723 Clark St., Conneaut, Ohio 44030 or the Conneaut Lions Club, PO Box 615, Conneaut, Ohio 44030 Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com