Martha Sue Kadel

The Kadel family is sad to announce the passing of their matriarch, Martha Sue Kadel (nee Berkhouse), known to everyone except medical professionals as Sue.

Born in Pittsburgh on August 19, 1935 to Walter and Loretta Berkhouse, she lived in Ingram with her parents and three brothers.

She is predeceased by her parents and brothers Tom Berkhouse (Barb) and Jim Berkhouse, and is survived by Dick Berkhouse (Susan).

Sue graduated from Crafton High School with the Class of 1953.

While living in Ingram, she met her soul mate, Ray Kadel and they married on September 7, 1956. They set up house in Bellevue and Sue started working as a Comptometer operator, among many other skills. They finally moved back to Ingram and started their family, eventually having five children. She is survived by Mark (Kathy), Matthew (Cheryl), Laureen Knox (Kenny), Brian (Diane) and Colleen who has been her constant caregiver over the last 10 years.

Sue and the family moved to West Chester on Valentine’s Day 1968 and they began their life in a suburb of Philadelphia. Over the years, Sue was a proud member of many organizations, among them Welcome Wagon, Girl Scouts and towards her senior years, was Judge of Elections, which allowed her to give back to the community. She also moved back into the workforce after the children finished school and worked at several places including the Goshenview Farms Dairy Store (“the Milk Store”).

Sue and Ray were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren (and counting). Every one of them was gifted many hand-made gifts over the years including personalized Christmas stockings and baby quilts. Sue was known for her skills at sewing and craft-making, especially with the grandchildren. She was always happy when creating something at the sewing machine.

Aside from her family, Sue was very passionate about Bingo! She was a life-long devotee and in retirement planned her weekly calendar around the Bingo games she regularly attended. She also spent many evenings visiting with her children and talking and playing cards, yet another passion of Sue’s. The family all have fond memories of playing Poochie Rum and many other games.

In her later years, Sue, Mark and Colleen made it a habit to attend concerts and while we were never sure she really liked the musicians, we know she enjoyed the trip and the time spent with two of her children.

Relatives and Friends are invited to her visitation Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd, Inc. 410 North Church Street, West Chester, PA, 19380.

Interment will be in Green Mount Cemetery

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate in Sue’s name to your local hospice organization.