On April 9, 2025, Sueshila Stubbe, born Barbara Ann Rusch, peacefully embarked on her next great adventure beyond this physical realm. Her life began on April 27, 1935, in Easton and New Hope, Pennsylvania, as the beloved daughter of Ross G. and Mary M. Rusch. Sueshila was renowned as a lifelong seeker and adventurer, as well as a devoted caregiver.
She was educated at Westtown Friends School, Oberlin College, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Occupational Therapy, graduating in 1959. Her professional journey as an occupational therapist took her to various hospitals and schools across Florida, Connecticut, California, Delaware, and Massachusetts.
Sueshila’s personal life was enriched by her first marriage to Ivan G. Szanto of Budapest, Hungary, with whom she had two cherished daughters. She is survived by her daughters, Marianne Szanto Owens of Ocean View, Delaware, and Deborah Szanto Phillips of Yorktown Heights, New York; her sons-in-law, Peter Owens and Ted Phillips; and three grandchildren: Brian Ross Owens, Lauren Elizabeth Owens Iskra, married to Jordan Iskra, and Tyler Ian Phillips. Her legacy also includes two great-grandchildren, Brynn and Ross Iskra.
Her family includes her sister, Vijaya Stevenson, her niece, Kate Stevenson, and her nephew, Ross Stevenson. On April 26, 1991, Sueshila married Paul Edmond Stubbe in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. In 1996, they retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they shared a mutual love for mountain hiking, nearly completing the entire Appalachian Trail and exploring trails across Spain, Switzerland, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Since 1982, Sueshila was dedicated to the practice and teaching of yoga, meditation, and self-help workshops after training at the Kripalu Yoga Institute. Her spiritual journey was an integral part of her life. In 2018, she and Paul moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, where he predeceased her in December 2019. During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, she settled in Bethany Beach, Delaware, to be closer to her daughters.
Sueshila was a passionate advocate for self-discovery and personal growth, remembered for her free spirit, generosity, and love of adventure. She found joy in exploring the wilderness, savoring fine cuisine, and nurturing deep human connections. She held a profound respect for Native American cultures and was recognized for her natural warmth and curiosity, always seeking to understand others and their unique life stories. Her friendships spanned across the many places she lived, from Pennsylvania to New Mexico, Florida to Delaware.
A private family celebration of Sueshila’s life will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Nature Conservancy, bird rescue or endangered species organization, or the American Indian College Fund.
The Human Element Explored
Sueshila Stubbe’s life was characterized by an unyielding quest for knowledge and self-discovery, impacting those around her profoundly. Her commitment to yoga and meditation demonstrates how self-awareness and mindfulness can enrich one’s life, offering a model for others seeking personal growth. Her journey from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and beyond reflects the potential for a life filled with exploration and understanding, encouraging others to embrace new experiences and cultural appreciation.
Her dedication to nurturing relationships and respecting diverse cultures suggests a path toward a more inclusive society. By honoring her legacy through donations to nature and cultural education, others can support causes that align with her values, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting educational opportunities for Native American communities. Ultimately, her life’s work and passions serve as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and fostering connections with others.