Susan Marie (Butz) Dugan

Susan Marie Dugan, 83, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nana, and friend, of Deltaville, Virginia and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, returned peacefully to God on November 21, 2025.

Susan was born on November 7, 1942, to the late Joseph and Sylvia Butz. From an early age, she possessed a natural warmth and grace that would define her life. She attended Penn Hall Preparatory School and, after graduating in 1960, began her career working for The 100,000 Pennsylvanians, a committee led by the Governor Scranton and focused on driving economic development within the state. She later earned her real estate license and went on to build a career rooted in connection and service to others. For nearly four decades, Susan was an esteemed realtor and broker across Pennsylvania, Virginia and California. She was widely recognized for her dedication and success, earning multiple awards throughout her career.

Susan embraced life’s adventures wholeheartedly. She spent several years living in New York City, fulfilling her dream of “living the city life” while managing a Peacock Alley luxury linens store on the upper east side. Eventually, she and her husband, Don (Paul), discovered their little piece of heaven on earth in Deltaville, VA where they created a life centered on family, friendship, and the beauty of the water. Susan brought her warmth and keen attention to detail to everything she did. While designing and decorating their perfect bayside oasis, she continued working in sales for Peacock Alley, and later returned briefly to real estate before retiring in 2013.

In retirement, Susan remained deeply engaged in her community. She generously volunteered her time and talents with the Deltaville Maritime Museum and was a familiar, welcoming presence at local gatherings, concerts, and community events. She cherished time spent with friends—sharing conversation, laughter, and companionship—and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel included and at ease.

Faith was the cornerstone of Susan’s life. A deeply religious woman, she was actively involved in both Christ Church Parish Episcopal in Saluda, VA and Catholic Church of the Visitation in Topping, VA. Her faith guided her actions and shaped the compassion she extended to others.

Susan loved bringing people together. She believed life was meant to be shared, and delighted in gathering family and friends, creating spaces filled with warmth, joy, and laughter. Cocktail party, dinner party, pool party—whatever the occasion, she was the most vibrant and meticulous hostess, ensuring the food was delicious, the drinks were cold, and the laughter was plentiful.

Susan was a woman of exquisite taste who always carried herself with elegance and confidence. Whether she was at home reading or doing crossword puzzles, playing mahjong, Bridge or Samba with the ladies, or out on the town, you would never find Susan looking anything less than glamorous—adorned in gold jewelry, high heeled shoes, perfectly styled hair, and long manicured nails. Yet, it was her inner beauty that left the deepest impression. She was kind, intelligent, strong-willed, honest, and fiercely loyal. She lived fully, loved deeply, and gave generously of herself. Her devotion to her family was unwavering, and her love will remain a guiding force in their lives. To those who knew her, Susan was a steady light—one that will continue to shine in memory and spirit.

She was preceded in death—and most assuredly greeted at the gates of Heaven—by her loving parents, Joseph and Sylvia Butz; her beloved husband, Don Paul Dugan, Jr.; her precious son, Joseph Shearer; and her cherished companion, Mini.

She is survived by her sisters, Anita Elliott (Perry) of Vancouver, WA and Joan Sanders (Ron) of Fairfield, PA; her faithful and loving companion of nine years, Alan Pinekenstein of Deltaville, VA; her children, Meghann Dugan of Potomac Falls, VA, William “Billy” Shearer and Bonnie Lee of Carlisle, PA, Michael Shearer of Carlisle, PA, Robert and Kelley Dugan Heinlen of Carlisle, PA, Daniel and Dawn Dugan Bischoff of Clayton, NC, Jennifer Dugan of Potomac, MD, Brian Hand and Rebecca Dugan-Hand of Fairview, TX; 16 adored grandchildren; 7 darling great grandchildren; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins—each of whom carries her love forward.

Family and friends are welcome to join a Celebration of Susan’s Life at the Chambersburg Country Club in Chambersburg, PA on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. In her memory, please consider a donation to the Deltaville Maritime Museum: https://www.deltavillemuseum.…

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