Susan G. Elsner

Susan G. “Sue” Elsner, 63, of Lititz, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend whose life was marked by a deep love for her family, a genuine care for children, and a faithful commitment to serving others.

Born in Millville, New Jersey, Sue was the daughter of the late Howard S. and Sandra Fisher Gifford. From an early age, she had a love for sports and people. A graduate of Ambassador Christian Academy, Sue scored more than 1,000 points during her high school basketball career. Her love of athletics continued at Messiah University, where she graduated in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and played softball for her college team.

Sue began her career with the YMCA, serving as Assistant Program Director in Hackensack, New Jersey, and later as Youth and Family Services Director in Phoenixville. For more than 15 years, she poured her heart into her work at Lititz Christian School, where she taught Physical Education, served as Assistant Athletic Director, and helped care for young children through the Early Childhood Learning Center. Teaching was much more than a career for Sue. It was a way for her to make a difference in the lives of children and to help them experience the love and caring of God.

Her faith was an important part of who Sue was. She was an active and faithful member of Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC) in Lititz, where she served in children's ministry, participated in mission trips, and helped with video technology during worship services. She gave her time generously and found joy in being part of her church family.

Sue also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. She loved the beach, especially trips to Ocean City, New Jersey, and treasured special trips to Bermuda and North Captiva Island in Florida. She could happily spend hours working on a jigsaw puzzle or gathering around a table for a card game. But above all, Sue treasured her family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She loved them deeply, celebrated their lives, and created countless cherished memories with them.

Sue and her beloved husband, James R. “Jim” Elsner, shared 39 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary in June of this year. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love.

In addition to her husband, Jim, Sue is survived by her three children: James “Jimmy,” husband of Kristin Elsner of Lititz; Rachel, wife of Charles Miller of Amherst, Ohio; and David, husband of Melissa Elsner of Warsaw, Indiana. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren—Charlie, Miles, Jude, Joel, Mae, and Ivy—who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by two brothers, David, husband of Barbara Gifford of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Daniel, husband of Courtney Gifford of Paoli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Gifford.

Sue leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond her many accomplishments. Through her family, her faith, her teaching, and the countless children and families she touched, she shared kindness, encouragement, joy, and the love of God. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Sue’s Life Celebration Service at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC), 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A viewing will be held at the church that morning from 9:00 am to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private at Witness Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sue’s memory to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.