Susan M. Herndon

Susan Margarete Herndon, 74, passed away on Aug. 11, 2024, surrounded by her family. 

Born Feb. 10, 1950 to Frederick and Eva Willenbrock, she grew up in Mahwah N.J., and graduated from Mahwah High School. It was there that she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Robert L. Herndon, who was her devoted husband for 49 years. Their love story was one for the ages, a testament to true love and companionship.

For half a century, Susan called Allendale, N.J. home, where she raised her family and built a life filled with wonderful memories. Susan dedicated over 30 years of her professional career to IBM, where she was a loyal employee and cherished colleague. After her retirement, she regularly volunteered her time at the Center for Food Action in Mahwah. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Susan was an avid gardener, an incredible cook and the quintessential “hostess with the mostest.” But she will most be remembered as a loving mom and grandmother, who was adored by her family. Affectionately known as "Nana,” she is survived by her two beloved daughters, six cherished grandchildren and one great grandchild: Colleen (Brent Penhall) and Aiden, Madelyn and Grant of Davidson, N.C., and Ashley (Jeff Turitz) and Andrew (great grandchild Asher), Avery and Gavin of Midland Park, N.J.

In her later years, Susan became a resident of Cornelius, N.C., where she found a welcoming community and formed lasting friendships at Bailey's Glenn. She was deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie she found there.

Susan's kindness, thoughtfulness and sense of humor will forever be remembered by her family, friends and all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Bailey’s Glenn community ballroom, 12100 Meeting House Drive, Cornelius, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to either the Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org/donate) or to Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, N.C. (www.viagiving.org/donating).