Susan Gabb Hassell

Susan Gabb Hassell passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026 at the age of 85. She was born on April 30, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to William B. Gabb and his wife, Cordelia P. Gabb, both of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Thomas T. Hassell JR. She is survived by her two children William Y. (Chip) Hassell, son, and her daughter, Sarah H. McKeel (Tyler). As well as 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Susan lived in New Jersey until age 11, at which time her family moved to Richmond. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School, class of 1959. Susan graduated from Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina, class of 1963, where she majored in English and Elementary Education. During her time at Queens College she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Susan began her 36 year teaching career with Henrico County Schools and retired in 2004. During those years she taught over 800 1st graders. She was honored and awarded the Henrico County teacher of the year in 1991. As a teacher, she sketched portraits of almost every student she taught. During her leisure time, she spent many years on the sailboat she shared with her husband, sailing the Chesapeake Bay and to the Caribbean. She and Tom enjoyed traveling, including spending many winter months in Florida. While in Florida, she developed a great love of shell collecting. In her retirement, Susan spent many hours caring for her grandchildren and attending their activities. She always wanted to be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. Susan is often remembered as the family cookie lady, making dozens of gingerbread boys and sugar cookies to be shared with family, friends and neighbors. Susan always considered herself extremely fortunate to have such a rich, loving and fulfilling life. A celebration of life will be held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on July 24, 2026 at 2pm.