Susan Amy Gates

Susan Amy Gates, 64, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 22, 2024. Susan was born March 9, 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Gerald Leon Goldman and Marilyn Rae Swartz Goldman. She graduated from Penn State University with a Degree in Animal Bioscience. 

She is survived by her husband, David Gates, the love of her life, whom she was married to for thirty-nine years, and her two beautiful daughters, Rachael (Seth) Pardue and Emily Gates. Susan left behind Greyson Thomas Pardue, her first grandchild, whom she enjoyed witnessing his first year of life. Susan leaves her brother, Scott Goldman, her in-laws who loved her like their own daughter, Thomas and Jean Gates, her sisters and brother-in-law, Mindy Fee, Gregory Gates, and Deborah Allen. Susan leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and their children. She also leaves behind friends and neighbors who never left her side. In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her sister, Alison Goldman.

Susan started her career selling pharmaceuticals to veterinarians. She later became a talented artist and sold her artwork all over the country. Susan loved all animals, especially her dogs. She volunteered with Search and Rescue and trained her German Shepard to help in rescuing the vulnerable. Susan loved to dance, ski, and go on nature walks. Susan never met a stranger and was always the life of the party. In a speech written by Susan to all her friends and family on one of her birthdays, she said, “So tonight if there is any gift I would ask for, it is to stay close in heart. Laugh when you can, love when you can, and be just who you are.” 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Lancaster Country Club, 1466 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the South Central PA Search and Rescue.