WEYBRIDGE — On the evening of Jan. 12, 2023, our community lost a woman without equal (writer’s privilege), similar to all of those who appear in this section (as their loved ones would tell you). Susan Kuehnl died peacefully at home in Weybridge with her husband and dog by her side. Susan bravely fought cancer for over four years, never losing hope throughout her illness.

Susan was born on Nov. 14, 1945, to George and Dorothea (Bach) Kuehnl in Kenosha, Wis. She attended public schools. She would eventually move to Philadelphia, where she attended the prestigious Philadelphia College of Art (now (University of The Arts) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. After college, she was employed as a teacher at the YWCA in the Germantown section of the city. While there, in 1972, Susan would meet the man who would become her partner and husband (Robert Keiner) until her death. The couple spent over 50 years together. She left no survivors in her own family, though she was immediately welcomed into Robert’s, all of whom loved her dearly.

Robert and Susan moved from Philadelphia to Vermont in September of 1975. They settled in the small northwestern town of Fletcher, where a Golden Retriever (Fletcher) and an Australian Shepherd (Sadie) would soon join the family. (Later, there would be Eddie and Greta). Susan continued her artwork (sculpture, pottery, painting, collage) while Robert pursued a legal career. Their vocations would take them to other Vermont towns, ending in their move to Weybridge in 2015. In the interim, Susan spent time teaching pottery at the University of Vermont. Subsequently, after having moved to South Starksboro, she collaborated with her dear friend, Elizabeth Saslaw, at York Hill Pottery in Lincoln. That collaboration would last for over 30 years and produce exquisite pottery, now seen throughout Vermont and beyond.

Susan loved animals — horses, dogs and birds in particular. She had two horses and four dogs over her 48 years in Vermont. All lived full and happy lives as a result of her care and love.

Susan had a large contingent of friends, too numerous to list, but too important to go unmentioned. In the final months of her life, these wonderful people visited Susan and Robert at the Weybridge home — bringing much-appreciated love, support, wisdom (and food), all in enormous portions — never to be forgotten.

A spring celebration of Susan’s life will take place when a date has been set. For those who may be inclined, any commemorative donations should go to the University of Vermont Cancer Center and/or Addison County Home Health & Hospice.◊