Susan Eva Hirst-Bikowski, aged 76, passed away on October 23, 2024, in Sewickley, PA. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Susan was known for her vibrant, caring, and intelligent personality. She cherished engaging in numerous hobbies, including art, cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, travel, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and beloved pets.

Susan was always eager to learn and explore new skills. Educationally, Susan was quite accomplished. After graduating from Southern Local High School in Salineville, Ohio, she learned how to be a court reporter before earning an MBA (magna cum laude) from Kent State University, with a focus on finance.

She owned her own medical consulting company, Sage Group. She started two other companies, selling one to ‘WebMD’ and the other to AIG. Additionally, while living in New Mexico, she managed an OB-GYN medical practice, a physical therapy practice and an art gallery. These academic and work achievements were a testament to her intelligence and work ethic.

Although she rarely ever talked about it, she held a patent on air travel ticketing that the U.S. government used to help prevent another 911. A world traveler, Susan traveled from Bali to Lake Como in Italy, to Dubrovnik in the Baltic to Buenos Aires in Argentine. She loved the outdoors and whenever possible would find a sparkling stream to practice her avocation--fly fishing.

During her brief time at the Masonic Village Sewickley Retirement Community, Susan worked her artistic magic, teaching beginning to advanced pastel and acrylic classes. Anyone who walked into the Art Studio saying they had absolutely no talent, walked away from one of her classes with a smile on their face, a piece of art to be proud of, and a newfound hobby to pursue. She was tireless in designing their flyers, brochures and other materials to promote participation in the studio.

Fearless with respect to computers, Susan changed the nature of technology for MVS residents. She organized a large committee of residents and led the effort to organize and revitalize a communication application to provide access to campus information on every resident’s desktop and handheld device. She supported the digitization of the Clubhouse Library as well as the Art Studio library and created a support program to assist residents with their computer difficulties.

Susan leaves behind a loving family: her husband, Joseph Bikowski; their so-very special Zoey the Shih-tzu; daughters, Dawn Lutz (Martin), and Erin Flanary, (partner, Kara); Joe’s children Emily, Jonathan, Carrie, and Maggie; brother, Quentin Hirst (Patt). She was also a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her warmth, wisdom, and the joy she brought to her family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Susan would want you to remember her smile, thoughtfulness, and love she held for family, friends, animals, and love of life.

While there will be no formal funeral or memorial service at Susan’s request, a Celebration of Remembrance gathering will be held at The Masonic Village at Sewickley on January 23, 2025, between the hours of 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse Social and Art Rooms. She will be interred at Sewickley Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 1316 4th Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.