Susan Jean Hohnsbeen (Melikian)

August 5, 1952 - June 10, 2021

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Susan Jean Hohnsbeen (Melikian), our loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She left this world on June 10, 2021, in her 68th year, surrounded by loved ones in her family home in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania after a courageous, long fight against cancer. Raised the eldest of four in the Bay Area of California, Susan studied at UC, Davis and for a year abroad in Bordeaux, France before graduating from UC, Berkeley. She worked in Paris before ultimately starting her retail career in California. Her talent and skill as a manager led her to Philadelphia in 1981 where she became the Corporate Senior Vice President and Merchant at John Wanamaker Department Store. She was recruited to the senior leadership team at B. Altman and Co., and served as President of the Main Line Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Organization. In 1988, Susan married Robert A. Melikian in Gladwyne and soon welcomed three children: Alexander, Anayis and Armen. She approached motherhood with her trademark enthusiasm, devotion and zeal, becoming a full-time mom while involving herself in school-related activities. Susan served as President of the Parents’ Associations and as a Board Member at both The Episcopal Academy and The Haverford School, while working with her husband at the family business. Susan lived a full life as an executive, devoted wife and a “super-mom.” She loved to laugh, kept an immaculate home and was highly skilled at making those around her feel heard and respected. Most of all, she loved her husband and children, instilling in them strong values that have and will continue to serve them well. She will be dearly missed and will live forever in our hearts. Susan is survived by her husband Robert, her children Alexander, Anayis and Armen, and her brothers George (Janet), Paul (Karen) and Roger. She is predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Ronald. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint John Vianney Church on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 beginning at 11:00 am. The family will be receiving guests beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Susan’s name to BookSmiles, 1879 Old Cuthbert Rd STE 33, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 https://www.booksmiles.org/donate.html or any charity of your choice.