It is with heavy hearts, fond memories, and tears through laughter that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Samma, sister, friend, poker buddy and pinochle partner on August 26, 2025. Susan Marie (Laughlin) DeKrane was born on September 4, 1951, in the Christmas city of Bethlehem, PA, which could be the reason she was a loyal disciple of Hallmark Christmas movies and all things Christmas. She lived her life like one big holiday special: full of heart, comfort food, and a glass of boxed wine in hand. The only thing missing was a mysterious man in a flannel shirt with great health insurance. Except instead of a small-town bakery, she preferred a casino with penny slots.

She was fearless ~ parasailing over the Atlantic, skiing black diamonds at Killington, and hiking the rainforest in St. Lucia. She rode the water slides with her grandkids at Great Wolf Lodge, climbed the pyramid of Chichen Itza and braved the mean old ladies at the bingo hall. Don't challenge her as she was known to accept any bet, from putting her entire fist in her mouth to jumping in the pool fully clothed. Ten bucks is ten bucks.

She honed her skills as a hairdresser, priest and therapist for over 40 years of owning and operating Susan's Beauty Shop. She spent one-on-one time talking with patients, playing games, cleaning duck pools and making everyone laugh in her many years of work in the activities department at Valley Manor Nursing Home. She has volunteered countless hours at the Coatesville Senior Center, aka Brandywine Valley Active Aging as well as Hickory House Nursing Home. She donned a hairnet (circa Chris Farley lunch lady) and served Pizza Hut to elementary kids as well as coaching the Southern Lehigh High School cheerleaders. But wait, there's more… she was a master chef, making the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches that could bring a grown man to tears. A master gardener, growing tomatoes so perfect they made grocery store ones cry with shame. A master prankster, terrifying loved ones by hiding behind doors for the sole purpose of jump-scaring them into a new dimension. But most importantly, she could defy the laws of physics by catching airborne shrimp like a culinary ninja at hibachi.

Her love of miniature things was legendary. Tiny Tabasco bottles, tiny salt & pepper shakers, tiny Altoid tins (IYKYK)

even a tiny Dustbuster ~ if it could fit in the palm of her hand, she adored it.

She spent countless hours watching The Pioneer Woman, taking notes and planning the next two weeks of dinner menus. Cooking and baking was her love language ~ especially if she was making food for her family and friends. Her joy in life was bringing happiness to others. Whether it be through food, games, laughter or telling dirty jokes (or a combination thereof).

A lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz, she always reminded us there's no place like home, unless, of course, there's a casino involved... in which case she'd pack a bag, grab her lucky penny, and hit the yellow brick road (also known as the Jersey Turnpike) to the Ocean Casino Resort.

Sue is survived by her amazing, talented, smart, beautiful, kind, witty, funny daughters and equally wonderful sons-in-law; Kelly and Jake Hewson of Coatesville, Stacey and Shawn Zelesnick of Glenmoore; the loves of her life, her grand children, Riley (and his partner Khaos), Quinn, Carter and Lila; her siblings, Eileen (Greg) Brodhead, Brian (Peggy) Laughlin and Kevin; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; her poker club; pinochle crew; all the grand puppies and kitties and anyone lucky enough to have shared a table, a drink, or a laugh with her. YKWLYMTOL

She was preceded in death by and is probably already in heaven playing knock poker with Grammy (Margaret George), PopPop (Mayor and Lehigh County Commissioner George Laughlin) and Aunt Grace (Gorman) all of Fountain Hill. Rest in peace, Mom. May your slots always hit, your bingo cards always be hot, your manhattan glass always be full and your Christmas movies never be interrupted by commercials.

Although she was a devout Catholic, she did not want a funeral, rather, she would like you to celebrate her life… when you see a field of sunflowers, think of her. When you feel the sun shine hot, think of her. When you hear Lou Christie sing Lightnin' Strikes, think of her. When you watch The Wizard of Oz, think of her. When you have a picnic, pull out her mini urn, place her at the head of the table, and let her be a part of the festivities. Friends and family are invited to a celebratory memorial on September 20 from 12-3 pm at The Stables, 160 Park Rd., Chester Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following meaningful causes so close to our mom's heart:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or

Brandywine Valley Active Aging – Coatesville Campus.

Condolences may be shared through the guestbook link on this memorial page, where you may also light a candle in Susan's memory.