Susan J. Chofnas

Susan Jane Chofnas, 89, of Martinsburg, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017, at Canterbury Center in Shepherdstown, after an extended illness.

Born Oct. 22,1927, in Binghamton, New York, she was the daughter of the late Norman H. Remmele and Charlotte Denise Remmele.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Judith Chofnas Miller and Ellen Chofnas Stout, of Martinsburg; and son Eric Chofnas, of Alpharetta, Georgia.

Susan was blessed with three grandchildren, Ethan Douglas Miller and wife, Tara Miller, of Martinsburg, Susan Marie Dennis and husband, Ron Dennis, Martinsburg, and Elizabeth Anne Bostic and husband, Dave Bostic, of Martinsburg. Susan adored her two great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Marie Dennis and Christopher James Dennis, also of Martinsburg. Additionally, Susan is survived by two sisters, Nancy Lou Benjamin and husband, Paul Benjamin, of Cortland, New York and Judy Ann Restino and husband, John Restino, of Manlius, New York. Susan is also survived by two cousins who she grew up with and cherished, Marilyn Preuss, of Dunwoody, Georgia and Walter (Barry) Schulte, of Los Angeles, California. Her extended family also includes many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband of 40 years, Dr. Irving Chofnas; and son-in-law, Wayne D. Miller. Susan was also preceded in death by a very close and dear friend, Paul V. Yost.

Susan attended and graduated from local schools in Binghamton, New York. After high school, Susan went to nursing school at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and graduated in 1948, as a Registered Nurse.

Early in 1948, Susan was sent to the VA Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, by her nursing school to observe and gain extra experiences. This enthusiastic student nurse soon caught the attention of staff physician, Dr. Irving Chofnas. She loved to participate in Grand Rounds with the medical staff at the hospital -never hesitating to engage with them in their professional discussions, offering her opinions, and sometimes challenging theirs. Dr. Chofnas took notice of this student nurse and often referred to her as “Professor.”

Soon after, Susan Remmele and Irving Chofnas became engaged and married at the end of 1948. Throughout their marriage, they lived in five different states as Dr. Chofnas worked in various VA hospitals during his medical career including Richmond, Virginia; Houston, Texas; Asheville, North Carolina; Orange, Connecticut; and Martinsburg.

In addition to her work at Mount Sinai Hospital, Susan also took advanced nursing training at Methodist Hospital in Houston, where she also worked afterwards. After moving to Martinsburg, Susan became involved with various community organizations including VA Wives, Volunteer Program at City Hospital, EGO (Enjoy Growing Older), and Pikeview Acres Garden Club.

Susan held an appreciation for the Fine Arts, enjoying live theater and visiting various art galleries. She was always a voracious reader- with a particular interest in historical fiction and non-fiction topics of WWII and the Holocaust. She also enjoyed fictional works of several favorite authors.

Family always came first for Susan and she loved nothing more than spending time with and caring for her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Susan touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2017, at Brown Funeral Home (Martinsburg) with the Rev. John Yost officiating. Interment will be immediately following in Rosedale Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Brown Funeral Home.

The family would like to recognize and publicly express our gratitude to Dr. William Miller and the director and assistant director of nursing at the Canterbury Center of Shepherdstown for delivering excellent and compassionate care to Susan during her lengthy illness. We are also very appreciative of the kindness and special attention that was always extended to Susan by all of the wonderful staff at Canterbury Center.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.