Obituary: Susan Ann Hershberger

Susan Ann Hershberger, age 73, of Oxford died early Thursday morning Feb. 19, 2026. 

She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Eunice (nee Woell) and Yost Smith on April 20, 1952. 

She graduated from Marquette University in 1974 and earned her PhD in organic chemistry from Iowa State University in 1980. In 1984, Susan moved to Oxford with her husband James (Jim) Hershberger and built a multifaceted career in chemistry education. 

She taught general and organic chemistry courses at Miami University. With Terrific Science and the Center for Chemistry Education at Miami, she developed educational materials and taught professional development courses to K-12 science teachers throughout southwest Ohio. She led programs for children and adults ranging from activities at schools, the summer chemistry camp at Miami in the 1990s, to community health education and engagement in Cincinnati. 

Her work as director of the Center for Chemistry Education in the 2010s was funded by the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health. Susan was a committed member of the American Chemical Society, serving the Cincinnati section and the greater organization in a variety of ways for almost forty years. She often spent her weekends engaging young people at museums and public libraries. Her passion for chemistry was not confined to the professional sphere. A grandchild’s birthday was the perfect opportunity for a science party.

Susan was deeply devoted to her family, friends and community. She was always making something for someone. She sewed doll clothes, prom dresses, overalls, church banners and both her daughters’ wedding dresses. She baked cookies and treats for every occasion. She built furniture. A long time parishioner of St. Mary Church, she enjoyed cooking for community dinners and participating in Women in the New Evangelization. 

Susan was the mother of Margaret (Stefan) Kilyanek and Monica (Dan Tramte) Hershberger; grandmother of Helena Kilyanek and Anton Tramte; sister of Thomas (Sue) Smith, Mary (Tom Stella) Smith and Laura (Paul) Fochs; and sister-in-law of Robert (Denise) Hershberger, John (Sharon) Hershberger and Richard (Anne) Hershberger. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Diana (Howard) Smith-Beckerman and husband.

In 2011, Susan established a scholarship for students in chemistry and biochemistry at Miami University. Donations to the fund can be sent to the Miami University Foundation c/o the James and Susan Hershberger Memorial Fund 4174-001, 725 E. Chestnut Street, Oxford OH 45056. 

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Church, 111 E. High Street, Oxford, OH at 10 AM on Friday, May 22, 2026. A light reception will follow the service. All are welcome. 

This obituary was submitted to the Oxford Free Press.