STONE

SUSETTE GROVE

Susette G. Stone of Longwood at Oakmont and formerly of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born on May 7, 1936, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Harriet Lofgren Grove and William Davis Grove.

From a young age, Susette displayed exceptional artistic talent and curiosity. At nine years old, she was invited to attend Saturday art classes at Carnegie Museum of Art, where she studied from 1946 to 1951. During grade school, she applied her creative flair to design dresses for the comic strip "Boots and Her Buddies."

Her artistic promise led to an invitation to study at the Fine Arts Department of Carnegie Institute of Technology from 1951 to 1954, while she attended and graduated from Glassport High School Class of 1954. She went on to earn her degree from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1958, graduating Phi Kappa Phi with a major in clothing textiles, chemistry, and design. Though she was also accepted into the Institute's Fine Arts program, her parents encouraged a more "practical" path - one that balanced aesthetics with purpose.

While at Carnegie, Susette was an active and enthusiastic member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, serving as Chairman of Activities and forming many friendships that lasted her lifetime. She chaired numerous events, including the 1958 Homecoming and the 1957 and 1958 Spring Carnivals, participated in student Congress, worked with the school's radio club as an announcer, and served on the "Mademoiselle" College Board. She was also honored by collegiate societies, including Phi Tau Gamma and Omicron Nu.

Upon graduation, Susette joined the Textile Fibers Division of E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company in Wilmington, Delaware as a scientific researcher, contributing to the development and testing of performance fabrics. She also loved fashion design, making beautiful dresses for herself and friends. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Charles S. Stone, on a blind date. The two married on June 28, 1959, and they began their 60-year journey of love and adventure.

After their wedding, the Navy stationed the couple at the US-NATO Naval Hospital in Naples, Italy, where she rekindled her passion for painting - an art form she would joyfully pursue for the rest of her life. She treasured her years in Italy, attending the 1960 Olympic games in Rome, weekends on the Amalfi Coast, and soaking in the beauty of ancient cities. During their time abroad, they welcomed their first son, A. Curtis Stone. Italy remained close to their hearts, drawing them back in later years through travel and lasting friendships.

After returning to Pittsburgh, Susette and Chuck welcomed son Jeffrey D. Stone. She fully embraced her roles as wife, mother and community leader. Beyond raising her family, she poured her energy into civic, cultural, and philanthropic causes throughout the city. She served on the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Zoo; was an active member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Association, chairing the 1989 Symphony Ball (which received the "Most Outstanding Ball" award) and the 1983 Symphony Gala; and led the Symphony Silhouettes from 1987-1989.

Additionally, she served in many positions at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh and chaired the beloved annual Christmas tree displays. Her leadership and creativity left a lasting mark on one of Pittsburgh's most cherished traditions.

Her contributions extended to the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Association, the Women's Committee of Children's Hospital, and served as President of the Women's Board of the Kingsley Association. She also served on the boards of the Twentieth Century Club and St. Francis Hospital Women's Auxiliary, and was a Majority Inspector of Elections for the Fox Chapel District of Allegheny County.

Outside of civic work, Susette was an avid golfer and tennis player, and an enthusiastic member of several recreational clubs. She served on numerous committees at Fox Chapel Golf Club, Fox Chapel Racquet Club, and Longue Vue Club. Her warm spirit, leadership, and love of fellowship made her a beloved presence, and she was grateful for the enduring friendships fostered in the community.

Susette had a passion for entertaining and was well known for frequent parties, luncheons, pig-roasts, and dinners for friends and colleagues. Her home was a lively and welcoming gathering place for those from all chapters of her life - including friends from the University of Pittsburgh's orthopedic community, medical students, and residents - where laughter, conversation and great food were always in abundance.

Susette and Chuck later retired part-time to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where they further cultivated lasting friendships. She was involved with the Long Cove Yacht Club and women's golf at Long Cove Club, as well as golf at Sea Pines Country Club. Moreover, she continued her lifelong passion for the arts, contributing to Arts on the Marsh and Hilton Head Art League.

Her treasured life's work of art and paintings remains as a lasting reflection of her talent, style and spirit. Susette found great joy in sharing all art and design with others.

Above all, she cherished her grandchildren. She created countless memories with them - digging for fossils, painting, golfing, playing tennis, swimming, boating, cooking and storytelling. Her sense of adventure, curiosity and love of learning inspired everyone around her.

Susette will be lovingly remembered for her deep intellect, creativity, warmth, and tireless dedication to family, friends, and community. Her extraordinary life was a celebration of beauty, design, generosity and purpose.

In addition to her parents, Susette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles S. Stone, M.D. and her son, A. Curtis Stone. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey D. Stone, M.D. (Marie); her grandchildren, Pegeen A. Luchars (Thomas), Alden C. Stone (Hallie), Bradford D. Stone and Tori A. Stone; her great-granddaughter, June A. Luchars; her sisters, Bonnie Miller (Robert); and Jane Fishkin (Nathan); her sister-in-law, Ann Stone Thompson (Ken), as well as many loving nieces and nephews and their families.

The family will be holding services and a celebration of life at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/support/honorary-and-memorial-gifts/

Arrangements by WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, Aspinwall.