Susan Jean Reinhalter, 68, passed away on October 25, 2026, in Smithfield, North Carolina, following a short illness. She was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on April 30, 1958, to the late Russell and Diana Reinhalter.

Susan grew up in Abington, Massachusetts, and attended St. Bridget’s School before proudly graduating with the Class of 1976 from Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton. During her high school years, Susan served as Vice President of her class and was an enthusiastic member of the cheerleading squad.

Susan began her career with American Airlines in Connecticut and went on to faithfully serve in the reservations department for an extraordinary 47 years. Throughout her career, she formed lasting friendships with her coworkers, many of whom became like a second family to her. These friendships were an important and cherished part of Susan’s life.

Susan later made her home in Clayton, North Carolina, where she spent most of her adult life. She was very proud of her home and cherished the close relationships she shared with her neighbors. She built a life there filled with family, friends, creativity, and many special memories.

Susan had an exuberant personality and an unforgettable laugh that could light up a room. Her warmth, energy, and zest for life made her someone people were naturally drawn to. She brought joy and laughter wherever she went, and her infectious laugh will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family was especially important to Susan. She took great pride in her family’s military tradition, with several family members having served. Their service and dedication were deeply meaningful to her, and she held that part of her family’s history close to her heart.

Susan took great joy in being an aunt and loved nothing more than spoiling her nieces and nephew—and, of course, their beloved “fur babies.” She treasured time with her family and the many memories they created together.

Susan had a creative spirit and enjoyed cross-stitch, ceramics, and gardening. She also loved to travel and experience new places. In her later years, she enjoyed memorable trips to Glacier National Park and Aruba, and Spain with her family.

Susan is survived by her siblings, Kevin Reinhalter of Tipp City, Ohio, and his daughters, Lauren and Lindsey; Diane Fisher and her husband, David, of Hampstead, New Hampshire, and their children, Nicholas Fisher and Jaclyn Ostrowski and her husband, Matthew, and their children, Maxwell and Naomi; Mark Reinhalter and his wife, Shanessa, of Walnut Cove, North Carolina; and Lynne Bongette and her husband, Lawrence, of Walpole, Massachusetts, and their children, Audrey and Kyle. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Reinhalter of Clemmons, North Carolina, wife of her late brother Steven, and their daughter, Hannah and her husband, Nathan Plock.

She was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Diana Reinhalter, and her brother, Steven Reinhalter.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00am, at Underwood Funeral Home in Smithfield, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization supporting military and veteran families.

Massachusetts family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life honoring Susan on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon, at The Chateau Restaurant in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Susan will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, former coworkers, and all who had the good fortune to know her. Her exuberant spirit, generous heart, love of family, and unforgettable laugh will live on in the countless memories she created and in the hearts of all who loved her.