Susan Ann Dillhoff

Susan Ann (Frei) Dillhoff, 76, passed peacefully in her sleep Saturday, March 14, 2020, surrounded by family at her home in Dayton, Ohio. Born July 30, 1943, she is preceded in death by her parents, Orion and Margaret Frei, and her brothers, Ronald Frei Sr. and David Frei. A devoted wife and mother, Susan leaves behind Larry, her husband of 47 years; their children Steven, Lisa, Sharon, and Lance; daughter and sons-in-law Hunee, John, and David; grandchildren Brian, Caitlyn, Justin, Nick, Josh, Connor, Ian, Alexander, Aiden, and Skylar; and many nieces and nephews.

Susan grew up on Xenia Avenue, in Dayton, Ohio and was an active member of St. Mary's parish all her life. She graduated from Julienne High School in 1961, was married at St. Mary Church on June 3, 1972, and held countless leadership positions in the St. Mary's Alumni Association including President and Secretary. Larry shares fond memories of picking up flowers in north Dayton, annually, to put on the church's May Crowning service, and the couple's volunteerism included serving coffee and donuts at church gatherings.

Upon moving to Kettering, to raise their four children, Susan became very active in the St. Charles parish and school community. She volunteered in her children's grade school cafeteria, and she and Larry spent many seasons dealing blackjack at Alter High School's AlterFest. Susan was known and loved by people throughout these communities for her engaging spirit, kind heart, and commitment to family.

In 1988, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and began a long year of treatment. At the conclusion of her year of chemo, she planned a 3 ½ week trip out west, declaring the family needed "a positive family experience." This trip remains one of her husband and children's most treasured memories, from playing on a mountainside in Colorado, to eating (or not eating) asparagus at a bed and breakfast in San Francisco, to playing cards on a train to L.A. to visit Uncle Paul, seeing the lights in Las Vegas, to touring Sedona, AZ and the Grand Canyon.

Susan was a travel agent for over 50 years and shared her love of travel with everyone. She took her mother, Margaret, to Europe in the 1960s where they visited extended family in Lebenhan, Germany. She booked countless clients on journeys around the world. She and family cruised multiple times in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Northwest; crossed the Atlantic, to Europe, in 2011; cruised the South Pacific, including stops throughout Hawaii and in Fiji and Tahiti, in 2013; and floated down the lower Mississippi River with her daughters Lisa and Sharon in 2017. Her children and grandchildren cite extended-family cruises as among their happiest moments together as a family.

Susan will be missed by the countless people who knew and love her. The family will receive friends from 4pm until 7pm on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Newcomer Beavercreek (3380 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH 45432). Funeral services will be held Friday, at 10am at St. Mary Church (310 Allen St., Dayton, OH 45410). Interment will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton (1625 Calvary Dr., Dayton, OH 45409).

We understand these are unprecedented times; please know the health and safety of our friends and family is of utmost concern. Family and friends are encouraged to prioritize their health when deciding whether to attend. We know Susan and the family are in your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Dayton, St. Mary Church, or St. Charles Borromeo.

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