VASALE SUZANNE F. Age 73, of Charleston, WV, died at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio, after a year long battle with squamous cell carcinoma. Sue was the daughter of Frederick R. Franke, MD and Nancy Digby Franke of Pittsburgh, PA, who predeceased her. She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Vasale of Charleston, WV; daughters, Erica Herrick Newhouse of New York and Sarah Newhouse Benisch of Connecticut; stepchildren, Petra L. Vasale of Charleston, WV, Pierce A. Vasale (Rachel) of North Carolina and Chase A. Vasale of New Jersey. The firstborn of five children, Sue is survived by siblings, Frederick R. Franke, Jr. (Anne) of Harwood, MD, Paul D. Franke (Deborah) of Pittsburgh, PA, John C. Franke of Rancho Mirage, CA, and Virginia Franke Kleist (Paul) of Pittsburgh, PA. Sue is also survived by three grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews. Sue was a graduate of The Ellis School, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, Marshall University Graduate College and West Virginia State University. Sue spent her early career in advertising for several large department stores in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Great Falls, MT. After returning to school to earn her MBA and Accounting Certificate, Sue had a second career working for non-profit organizations, The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Black Diamond Girl Scout Council, The Education Alliance, and the West Virginia Humanities Council. Having retired as the Chief Financial Officer for the West Virginia Humanities Council in 2009, Sue enjoyed traveling, gardening, The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and The Charleston Chamber Music Society concerts, art of all sorts, especially paintings by local artists. Sue loved tidying up everything within reach and couldn't tolerate a painting hanging crooked on a wall. More than anything, though, she loved all five of her children and her three grandchildren. Family gatherings were more important to her than any of her earthly possessions. Christmas gatherings and summer family vacations were her favorite times. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service for Sue at Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception at the family's home to follow. If you are inclined to memorialize Sue with a charitable donation, please consider the West Virginia Humanities Council, (1310 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, WV 25311), The Charleston Chamber Music Society, (P.O. Box 641, Charleston, WV 25323), or The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (P.O. Box 2292, Charleston, WV 25328). Arrangements are entrusted to DAY SERVICE. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.dayfuneralservice.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
