Susan (Pheanis) Kristoff

Susan was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She loved to spend time with her family, searching for antiques, and enjoying time on the ocean in south Florida. She loved roller blading and biking in the beautiful Florida sunshine. She was a certified gemologist extremely knowledgeable in both modern and antique jewelry. Searching consignment shops, auctions and yard sales for treasures was a particular passion. She always had kind and encouraging words for those around her. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2003, Susan faced many difficult challenges, but she always found a reason to smile and to be positive. She had a hilarious sense of humor, with an infectious laugh and a smile that would light a room. She used her long battle with cancer to help others by assuming leadership roles in organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She acted as their Public Policy Chair for the state of Florida. Susan actively worked to implement legislative changes to Florida insurance laws. Her efforts helped to pass the Oral Chemotherapy Bill, legislation that made the pill form of chemotherapy a covered medical expense and available to those Florida residents in need. Susan’s advocacy has saved the lives of so many and has provided a higher quality of life for countless others. Susan appeared on Good Morning America twice and on several local news channels speaking about injustices within the insurance industry, her battle with cancer, and the Oral Chemo Bill. She was also interviewed for multiple newspaper publications such as the Palm Beach Post and the Baltimore Sun. She was honored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation as “A Warrior in Pink”. By revealing the experiences and issues of people with cancer to the public, Susan was able to relate their concerns, and facilitate change. With her warm and engaging personality, she was a tremendous spokesperson for insurance reform and cancer research. She was actively engaged in this fight until just weeks before passing. Most of all, Susan was an amazing and dedicated mother. Susan considered her greatest achievement her son Joshua and always said he was the light of her life. She beamed with pride when speaking about Joshua. Susan was known for her passion, empathy, and kindness. She always put the needs of others before her own. True to form, just days before her passing, she was concerned about others and left instructions that her family and friends should not be sad for her. She wanted us to think of her in better times and to support research in order to find a cure for this disease. Even in death, Susan managed to reach out once again to help others. As an organ donor Susan was able to donate her corneas. This gift will help two individuals who are receiving life changing transplants. Susan is survived by her son Joshua Kristoff of Kettering, Ohio; her mother Eveline (Showalter) Pheanis Eaton, Ohio ; her brother Robert A. Pheanis of Eaton, Ohio; her sisters, Peggy (Pheanis) Deeter of Greenville, Ohio; Linda (Pheanis) O'Grady of Orlando Florida; and Stephanie (Pheanis) Riffle of Greenville Ohio. Her father Lowell S. Pheanis of Eaton, Ohio preceded her in death.

Susan (Pheanis) Kristoff

April 16, 1962 - December 18, 2014