Susan Schrag – Forest Hills, Pa.

On Aug. 30, 2022, Susan Schrag passed away at her home in Forest Hills, Pa., after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Ruth Stern Schrag and longtime partner of Barbara Warr. She was the sister of Loren (John) Vivio and sister of Jonathan (Debra Brush) Schrag; loving aunt to Benjamin (Leza) Vivio, Daniel (Nerina) Vivio, Jason (Ashley) Schrag and Patrick, Stephanie and Heather Schrag; and great aunt to Lia Schrag. Susan was born in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 23, 1950. Her family moved in 1954 to Monessen, where Susan attended school and graduated in 1968 from Monessen High School. She attended Penn State University, majoring in psychology. She was deeply committed to the “peace movement” during that era. After completing her undergraduate degree, Susan returned to Monessen and worked in a group home program with adults with disabilities. She also began a master’s level program in psychology at California University of Pennsylvania. Susan then entered a doctoral program at the University of Connecticut, but her focus turned in another direction after two years. She returned to Monessen and became the director of vocational services at the ARC. Her determination led her to law school at the University of Pittsburgh, and she received her law degree in 1987. She worked for four years at a large law firm but wanted to pursue her own practice. She opened her own practice in 1991 and specialized in estate planning, trusts, elder law and some real estate. Susan was fiercely loyal to her clients and passionate about serving them well! She was a political activist and worked diligently for the causes she believed in, particularly women’s rights. Susan was an active member of the Late Bloomers Garden Club. She played guitar, the cello and loved music. Susan and Barbara loved traveling to the New England area. She also was a uniquely caring friend, never hesitating to prepare food, care for animals of friends, water their gardens or just listen to them. She was particularly loving toward her treasured family. Susan had a true love of nature and surrounded herself with beautiful things that brought her joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life during a memorial visitation from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. A memorial service will follow at noon with Rabbi Sarah Perman officiating. She will be laid to rest with her parents in Beth Am Cemetery, Rostraver Township, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (humaneanimalrescue.org), 6926 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.