Mary Susan Van Gorden

M. Susan ("Sue") Van Gorden, 72, of Linden, NJ, passed away on November 26, 2021 unexpectedly and shockingly of natural causes in her sleep.

Sue was born on October 7, 1949 to Richard H. Showers and Anna K. ("Kate") Showers in Harrisburg, PA. After graduating from John Harris High School, Harrisburg, PA in 1967, she went on to study B. A. in Education at Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio, in 1971. It was during her time there when she met her husband, Vincent ("Vinnie") D. Van Gorden, Jr.. On July 29, 2021, they celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Just last month they celebrated their 50th class reunion.

Sues education career varied: Sunday School teacher at Cranford United Methodist Church; substitute teacher for the Linden, NJ school district; teacher at a number of nursery schools; and ended her career with Christian Connection, an after school program at Cranford UMC.

Sue spent her time reading, sewing, knitting, and tying fleece blankets. Her crafts usually were made with love, given as gifts or donated. She volunteered her time at thrift shops sorting clothes; girl scout troop leader; work camps such as R.I.S.E in New York state, and the Red Bird Work Camp in Beverly, KY where she helped build ramps or stairs, and supervised roof replacements.

Sue will be remembered by many for the joy, love, and friendship she brought to their lives. She has been described by those as a shining example of how to love and serve the community.

Sue was predeceased by her parents and sister Lydia Showers. She is survived by her husband Vinnie; her children Tiffany Adams (Tim Red Adams) and Kenny Van Gorden (Magdalene); her siblings Anne Forbes and Rick Shower (Maryanne); 6 bonus grandchildren - Douglas, Christian, Anna, Antonia, Brian and Tyler; 1 great granddaughter - Isabella ("Bella"); many nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Cranford United Methodist Church in Cranford, NJ on Wednesday, December 15th at 4PM with an interment to follow in the Memorial Garden at sunset. A time of fellowship will conclude the evening in Randolph Hall. During this time of pandemic, it would be Sues wish for those who wish to attend to follow covid policies and travel restrictions. With this in mind the family and church will have the service streamed on Facebook Live on the Cranford United Methodist Church, NJ Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Cranford Family Care, 61 Myrtle St, Cranford, NJ 07016; St Josephs Social Service Center, 118 Division St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201; or Cranford United Methodist Church - Missions 201 Lincoln Ave E, Crandford, NJ 07016.