Obituary of Susan E Haviland

It is with deepest sorrow that the family of Susan E. Haviland announces that she lost her 19 year battle with late-stage breast cancer on the morning of June 10, 2016. She passed peacefully with her loving husband & adventure buddy, Gerry Creighton, by her side, as well as her dear friend Judie Lissenden and big sister Vicki. Susan’s courageous battle with cancer has been overwhelmingly supported by family, friends, neighbors, physicians and especially her dearest friends Eileen Bourgeois, Colleen McCully and Carla Biele and their families. Most appreciated was the miraculous care given to her by countless area physicians and medical personnel; especially her Oncologist and “friend” Dr. Julianne Childs and staff at HOPE Community Cancer Center. She leaves behind her husband Gerry Creighton of 16 years and her beloved cat. Parents Robert and Gail Haviland. Siblings Robert Haviland (Vicki), Lisa Ott (Ronald), James Haviland (Tamara). Nephews Robert Haviland, Ronald Ott, and nieces Chloe & Kira Haviland. Mother and father-in law, Joseph and Kathleen Creighton, Sisters-in law Kathleen Chiodini (Robert) and Elizabeth Hornung (William), Brothers-in law Joseph Creighton III (Laurie), Andrew Creighton (Beth), Christopher Creighton and many nieces and nephews. Susan was a graduate of Oakcrest High School, Atlantic Community College and a 1993 graduate of Richard Stockton College of NJ with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy. Susan worked for Mid-Shore Physical Therapy in Forked River, NJ for many years. She was an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan, photographer and outdoor enthusiast. She enjoyed playing ice hockey, cross country skiing, mountain biking, loved playing in the ocean. She could always be found kayaking up the Nacote creek and its tributaries. An avid birder, Susan spent a lot of time identifying and photographing the various wildlife in the local south jersey area. She also volunteered her time doing shorebird counts for the NJ Audubon Society. Susan loved being with kids whether it was her nieces and nephews or her friend's children Cailin, Kira and Megan McCully. It was important for Susan to share her love of nature and outdoor activities with them. Friends are invited to attend a life celebration memorial from 10am - 12 noon at the Pavilion in the Harry Bowen Memorial Field 143 Main Street Port Republic, NJ on Friday June 17, 2016. A ceremonial wreath will be placed off of the kayak beach in the Nacote Creek following the memorial. Disposition will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers a Go Fund Me account has been set up to defray the costs of final medical and funeral costs. Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/2976sph6 Arrangements are under the direction of Ocean County Cremation Service, Forked River, NJ.