Heather Andrea Suhy Bentley, age 41, of Franklin Township, Edinboro, PA went home to be with her heavenly Father and her earthly Dad on Friday, November 14, 2014 from complications of a brain tumor. She was born in Erie on April 18, 1973, the daughter of June T. (Krautter) Suhy Shelhamer and the late John M. Suhy.
After graduating from General McLane School District in 1991, Heather graduated from the State University of New York at Herkimer, NY in 1993 and went on to work for US Airways in Pittsburgh, PA and Jamestown, NY. She then graduated from Mercyhurst University in 1999 and worked for Villa Maria School, Strong Vincent High School, and finally Corry High School until budget cuts eliminated her position. She volunteered in the library of Millcreek’s Walnut Creek School until her illness progressed to the point where she could no longer work.
In her teenage years, she enjoyed being a clown with the Jolly Jesters of Erie. In later life she was the baker of the family and everyone looked forward to her desserts during the holidays. Heather and her husband Alex finally got into the home of their dreams in February of this year, and she enjoyed the last few months in that beautiful home. She was lovingly known as “Aunt Al” to Aaron, and “Aunt Heather” to her other precious nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Besides her father, Heather was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Carl F. Krautter and Stella E. Krautter, and paternal grandparents Andrew J. Suhy and Edna C. Suhy; also, two uncles – Lauren C. Krautter and Merlin C. Krautter; and an infant cousin.
She is survived by her husband, Alexander B. Bentley II; her mother, June T. Shelhamer and step-father, Gary L. Shelhamer; sister, Michelle R. Wagner and nephews Aaron J. and Samuel R. Wagner, all of Edinboro; brother-in-law, Benjamin Bentley and wife Cindy and nephews Keith and Nathaniel Bentley of Cambridge Springs; father- and mother-in-law, Fred and Barbara Bentley of Walterboro, SC; sister-in-law, Lisa and Eric Bliss, niece Nina and nephews Joshua and Kyle of Summerville, SC; aunts and uncles, Sharon and Randy Lawrence and cousins Andy and Mark of Edinboro; Fred and Judy Suhy of Florida; Tom and Susan Suhy of Buckhannon, WV; Anna Suhy of Edinboro; Jane and Russell Stark of Conroe, TX; and several cousins.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Tuesday, November 25th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Cambridge Springs on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Rod Beardsley. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Wellsburg, Elk Creek Township.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Edinboro Food Bank, c/o Edinboro Borough Building, Edinboro, PA, or the Franklin Township Fire Department, 7544 New Road, Edinboro, PA.
Alex, I am sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. You have always had such a wonderful family. Jennifer
I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed. Prayers are being sent to all the family.
Sharon
I had the honor of working with Heather at the Jamestown NY airport and will never forget how very talented she was. Her cup was always Half Full and all of our regular customers simply loved her….as did I and the JHW team. I am deeply sorry for your loss and wish you all Peace during this time. Sincerely, Heather and Jason Lazarus
I only worked with Heather a short time at the Jamestown Airport but got to know her quite well. My self and Nancy another of Heathers co-workers , actually got talked into taking her wedding pictures. We were not professional photographers by any means. But Heather said ” you will do fine ” i hope she was as happy as she said she was. She will be missed. God bless
Death and its unfairness
When a loved one dies it seems so unfair, unjust, what kind of God would take them from our presence? But God the Father set the example in that He did not spare His own Son, to prepare a way for us the living in this present corruptible life, to immortal truth and hope. He is the truth and the life, he that believes in Him though he die shall see life.
What kind of God would take our loved one through the passageway of death? One that is the source of all love and welcomes us home: “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” In the next life our loved one is waiting in anticipation for our calling to share joy once again as we too are received.
Our job as survivors is to keep the faith that makes all things possible for all those that love God.
I am so sorry for your loss. Heather will be missed.
I wonder how we can survive, but in the end if im with you ill take the chance. No matter how much heartbreak forever is not long enough with you. If i could just have one more day id make it last forever. Her hair Her eyes everything about her, but her smile was amazing how it could change everything, no matter how bad things were. It was a gift from god. The Lord will grant you commforting grace and assure you that you will walk though the valley of the shadow of death. Another day has passed missing you just the same my words are cold and flat, and you deserve more then that. I feel like im living someone elses life, but i know you always believed in me and will help me threw this with Gods help. My best friend and Wife that would stick up for me when i was even wrong, and made me feel like i was the best thing in this world. With your confidence in me ive accomplished amazing things. I have all your pictures around me looking threw memories and all weve been threw. I would raither hurt then feel nothing at all. You told me everything will be ok and i believe this i love you and miss you terribly thank you for everything im a better person because of you. To all of my Family and Friends i want to thank all of you and how important all of you were in this journey.
A warm light is now gone. I will miss her. Please, always know that you, Alex are, also, dear to this family.
We are so blessed to have had Heather in our lives. Such a beautiful soul that brightened the world around her…she will be sadly missed.
Dear Alex,
Heather and you were both remembered as I celebrated the Liturgy on the Lord’s Day last and you are both in my daily prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss, and I have been where you are at. While we are saddened by Heather’s death, we are comforted that she now rests in the joy of her Lord. She cannot come to us, but we will to her, and we will live forevermore.
The Lord grant you comforting grace and assure you that you will walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Faithfully,
Bishop Kleppinger
Alex sorry for your loss. You are in our thought & prayers.
We are so sad for the loss of our niece Heather even so far we always think and pray for our family in Edinboro . Rest sweet Heather you are in no pain and with your Dad & Grand parents God bless you.
We miss you Uncle Fred & Aunt Judy
Deeply saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family.
Alex I am so sorry for your loss. If you need anything know we are here for you and love you. Heaven got a great angel she will be in no more pain. R.I.P. Heather