Susan Jane Child

Susan Jane Child, 84, of Arlington, Texas, passed away on July 3, 2024 in her home with her children by her side.

Susan, more commonly known as Sue, was born in Toledo, Ohio to Lawrence and Mary Jane Hittler and earned a degree from Mercy College of Detroit. During a trip to visit family in Georgia, Sue met her beloved husband LTC William (Bill) Otis Child. They courted long-distance during Bill’s deployment and were married in 1962.

The couple lived in various military posts throughout Bill’s career. Sue was dedicated to raising their five children yet still found time to participate in the Officers’ Wives Club, various school parent-teacher associations, and numerous church committees!

Following Bill’s retirement from active duty, the family settled in Arlington, TX. Sue taught home economics, English and drama for more than two decades at Nolan Catholic High School. She was beloved by students and faculty alike, and won various teaching awards, including Teacher of the Year.

A devout Catholic, Sue was a founding member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and served with St. Bernadette’s Guild for over 40 years. She and Bill delighted in their roles as Pre-Cana counselors, imparting their words of wisdom for a long and happy marriage to numerous young couples.

Sue was a lover of fine cooking, family gatherings, dry champagne, and the Dallas Stars. She was an avid reader and active member of a book club up until her final days. She volunteered for many causes, most notably sewing more than 5,000 pillows for the USO to provide for soldiers overseas, including her last delivery just a week before her passing. Sue’s positivity and joyfulness brought light into the lives of everyone she met. She is deeply missed.

Sue is survived by her five children: William (Bill) L. Child (Rebecca) of Arlington, TX; Andrew (Drew) Child (Lori) of Moore, SC; Jennifer Suggs (Scott) of Lewisville, TX; Stephanie Child of Boise, ID; and Heather Aldred (Paul) of Plano, TX; as well as 8 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat, Burt Reynolds.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, LTC William O. Child.

A funeral mass will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2100 North Davis Drive, in Arlington, TX on Saturday, July 27, at 10:00 am with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Research Hospital. You can donate now by clicking here.