Susan J Wendell

Susan J. Wendell

August 1, 1942 – January 24, 2026

Just as the snow began to fall on Saturday evening Susan “SJ” Wendell, 83, passed away peacefully at Crown Pointe Care Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Susan was born in Ripley, WV, the only child of Helen and Howard “Win” Wendell. She graduated from St Mary’s High School in St Mary’s, WV in 1960 and attended business school in Parkersburg, WV before taking her first job with the FBI in Washington, DC. She slipped away on her lunch break to attend the historic March on Washington in 1963, a day that would forever shape her life as a friend and advocate for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Before retiring in 2003, Susan was employed by the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services in Marietta, Ohio.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and beloved daughter Jan Susan Bradfield. She is survived by her daughter, Jill Bradfield, grandsons Jackson and Nicolas Bradfield, best friend Camille Boucher of Columbus, Ohio and first cousin Joyce Southerland of Wilmington, NC.

Known for her strength, independence and devotion, Susan was a cherished mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. She never met a stranger and was always eager to help others. Her compassion extended to children, pets, and those less fortunate, reflecting her enormous heart and caring nature.

While we will miss her dearly, there is comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited, smiling and laughing with Jan once again. The family will arrange a celebration of life ceremony for Susan this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• The Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/

• Powell Area Welfare Society at https://www.powellpaws.org/donate/