Susan Leusch Schenone of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 84.
Susan was born on September 18, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard and Dorothy (McNamara) Leusch—the second of eight children raised in a lively, close-knit Catholic family. She graduated from St. Augustine Academy in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1959, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Botany from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1963, at a time when women in the sciences were still forging new paths.
Her early career as an information scientist took her through Norwich Pharmaceuticals in Norwich, New York; Abbott Laboratories in Chicago, Illinois; and G.D. Searle in Skokie, Illinois—work that reflected her sharp intellect and natural curiosity. During that period, she was a Catholic Extension Society volunteer serving rural parishes in southwest Kansas. On November 25, 1972, she married Scott J. Schenone, beginning a new chapter of adventure. Together they built a life that spanned continents: Melbourne, Australia, in 1973; Düsseldorf, Germany, from 1981 to 1982; and Paris, France, from 1982 to 1984. These years abroad deepened Susan’s already expansive worldview and strengthened her lifelong commitment to social justice and understanding across cultures.
A passionate reader from childhood, Susan eventually followed her heart into the world of books. She honed her craft at Kroch’s & Brentano’s bookstore in Chicago from 1978 to 1980, then returned to the Midwest to realize a dream of her own: The Book Bag, an independent bookstore she owned and operated in Valparaiso from 1987 to 2003. For nearly two decades, Susan became a fixture in the community—known for her intelligence, strong convictions, independent spirit, and genuine love of literature and ideas. Her influence extended beyond her own shop; she served as president of the Great Lakes Booksellers Association for two years and remained on its board for a decade, championing independent bookselling throughout the region.
Susan was an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and the American Association of University Women. Her interests included gardening, cooking, and thoughtful engagement with causes that reflected her values. Her Catholic faith was a grounding presence throughout her life, expressed through her membership at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wanatah, Indiana.
Though Susan did not have children of her own, she was a devoted and loving presence in the lives of her many nieces and nephews. As a young woman, she spent significant time creating countless memories with Mike, Kevin, and Kara Quinn, the children of her sister Nancy. Later, she shared a particularly close bond with those who grew up near her in Valparaiso—Tim and Suzy Branion, and Kate and Ben Sundy—offering not only encouragement and affection, but also early job opportunities at The Book Bag and a shared appreciation for holidays, reading, and the arts. She never missed a This Is Our Story holiday performance at Valparaiso High School, a testament to how fully and faithfully she showed up for the people she loved.
Susan is survived by her husband, Scott J. Schenone; her sisters, Nancy (Thomas) Quinn, Martha Branion, Ann (Gary) Sundy, and Lucy (Jay) Leusch Williams; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Laura, Michael, and Richard Leusch; and siblings-in-law Mary Ann Hogan and Robert Branion.
A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Wanatah on Friday, January 16th, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and a funeral mass officiated by Father Jerry Schweitzer beginning at 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Extension Society in Chicago or to the congregation of St. Joseph in LaGrange Park, Illinois.
