Susan Rhodes Schner

Durham – Susan Rhodes Schner, age 86, passed awaywhile under comfort care at Hillcrest Convalescent Center on July 17th, 2026. She was born on October 22nd, 1939to the late Norman & Elbjorg Hagen Rhodes.

Susan graduated from Alfred University with a BA in English Education. She married Douglas Schner on June 24, 1961 and after they had four children, she proceeded on to a nursing career. She attended Castleton State College and earned her RN license. Susan worked as an English teacher, an OR nurse (VT), a legal medical consultant (NY) as well as a Neurology OR nurse (NC) at Duke Hospital.

Susan is survived by her sister Nancy Robbins; her son Jonathan Schner & his wife Aggie; her daughter Rebecca Schner; her daughter Abigail Underwood & her husband David; her daughter-in-law Amy O’Donnell; her ten grandchildren, Michael & his wife Marley, Zac & his wife Haley, Adam & his wife Riley, Gwyneth, Abby & her husband Chad, Gram, Peyton, Amaya, Cappi & Cash; her great-grandchild Maisey. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Schner and her eldest son Timothy Schner.

Susan was loved deeply by her family and had a special relationship with all of her grandchildren, and they wanted to say a few words about the impact she had on their lives:

Michael: As a young man with no definitive direction, I used to view grandma’s attempts at guidance as cold and callous. However, over the last few years of rekindling my relationship with her, I had the privilege to catch a glimpse of the beautiful soul that resided within her. I finally understand her concern and appreciate that her intentions were always wholesome and originated from a place of unwavering love and compassion. She was and has always been a genuine role model who wanted nothing but the best for all of her children and grandchildren. I am beyond grateful to have had her as not only my grandma but as my friend. I just wish I had more time to nurture the ever-growing friendship that blossomed between us.

Zac: Susan Schner was a gentle, caring soul who was never shy about opening her home to family. She took love thy neighbor to heart, and always had a passion for others - from nursing others back to health to caring for several generations of her lineage, my grandma was the ultimate caretaker. I will always cherish Christmas Eve dinners in particular, seeing her inject Norwegian heritage into pivotal family time with risengrynsgrøt and finding the precious almond of good luck hidden in one lucky bowl. I was fortunate enough to also call her a roommate while finishing my degree in Raleigh, coming home after a long day to a freshly poured gin and tonic and the overwhelming smells of a home cooked meal. We’d sit down every night of the week watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy together, racing to see who could come up with the answers first. We shared countless hours discussing the events of the world, sharing different perspectives between generations and always finding common ground in our passion for helping others. I will never forget our time together, she was incredibly loved and her memory will live on in each and every member of our family.

Adam: Whether it was hearing stories about our Norwegian Viking legacy or having a pot of risgryngrot every Christmas, Grandma was a firm believer of heritage and traditions. She taught me that you’re not only who you are, but you also always carry a piece of where you came from. I hope to carry on her memory and share the importance of traditions, and deeper connections that those traditions bring.

Gwyneth: The thing about Grandma is that she had an impressive way of bringing us all together, even when the odds were against it. Not only did she provide a safe space for us grandchildren to truly be kids and enjoy life, but she always encouraged me to slow down and appreciate the little things. She knew when we needed downtime, and instead of babying us, she taught us how to live for ourselves. As an adult, I've caught myself telling people that I have "old people's hobbies" because I spend my time reading, doing crossword puzzles, birdwatching, and knitting. But when I step back and think about it, all of those interests came from her. She read me as many books as I wanted, she taught me to knit, she made sure the local birds were never hungry, and she sent me the New York Times crossword puzzle every single Monday up until she physically couldn't anymore. That's family.

Abby: One of the things I'll always remember most about Grandma was how thoughtful she was. Every Christmas, I looked forward to opening a hand-knit sweater or a pair of socks she had made herself, always paired with a book. Her gifts were never just gifts. They were filled with time, care, and intention. I always saw Grandma as incredibly wise and wonderfully witty. She had a way of making it seem like there wasn't anything she couldn't do.

One thing I'll always be thankful for is how effortlessly Grandma made our blended family feel like we had always been part of hers. She welcomed me, my brother, Gram, and my dad, David, with open arms and never made us feel like anything less than family. Her kindness, love, and acceptance were simply who she was, and that's a gift I'll carry with me forever.

Grandma will be deeply missed, but the thoughtfulness, generosity, and kindness will stay with me always. I hope to carry those qualities with me throughout my own life, just as she so beautifully demonstrated them.

Amaya: My favorite thing about grandma is that she always held herself, and others to high standards of respect, and confidence. She would always treat her grandchildren in the same way she treated other adults, engaging us in thoughtful conversations, and taking the time to explain the little nuances to us. She ignited my passion for the arts, and sciences, her confidence in my abilities never wavering as she continued to support me for as long as she could. In the moments that I felt lost, and hopeless, I could always think of her, and her unwavering promise to ensure that her grandchildren had the skills, and support to pursue their passions, regardless of what they were. Her steady love, and determination will always remind me that there is more to live for, and more to learn.

A Celebration of Life/Minnesamvær will be scheduled in September, please reach out to a family member for specifics.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Susan G. Komen.

Susan G. Komen