Bemis

Susan A. Bemis, of Mars, passed away Thursday morning, May 22, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Sue was born in Jaffrey, N.H., on Aug. 14, 1943, to Gerold and Thelma (Burgoyne) Bemis.

She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in botany and earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Buffalo. Four years later, she received her doctorate in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Bemis started her career as a physical therapist in San Francisco and was later hired as director of physical therapy programs at the Medical College of Georgia. She was the accrediting director at the University of New England in Maine, Gannon University in Erie, and Chatham University in Pittsburgh. She retired from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, in 2010 after developing their Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Bemis worked clinically in a number of situations throughout her career and had a special interest in the evaluation of work tolerance and work capacity, as well as rehabilitation programs involving work hardening.

She was a prolific writer, author of two textbooks, an accomplished researcher and a dynamic teacher.

She was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish at St. Kilian Church in Cranberry Township.

This synopsis of Sue’s life fails to capture her larger than life personality, her feistiness, her many achievements and abilities outside of her career, her loyalty and support for her family, her love for her canine kids, or how much she will be missed.

She leaves behind her spouse, Roberta A. “Robi” Rowan, whom she married June 8, 2014; their sons, Brandon Rowan and Richard Rowan of Mars; her sister, Judie Shaw of Arizona; her nephews, Scott Bemis (Jing) of California, Dwight Shaw (Ruth) of Washington, and Barry Shaw (Gail) and Tim Shaw (Jan) of Arizona; sisters-in-law, Pamela Eckberg of Erie and Virginia Rowan of Saxonburg; and a brother-in-law, Mark Rowan (Roslyn) of Pittston, Pa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Wayne Bemis; and brother-in-law, Timothy Rowan.

BEMIS — The family of Susan A. Bemis, who died Thursday, May 22, 2025, will greet friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at St. Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 4 p.m. with Father Charles Bober, pastor, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 E. Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511.

Arrangements are under the direction of MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.