Suzanne Hahn Olmsted, 77

Suzanne Hahn Olmsted, 77, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Suzanne was a lover of all creatures great and small. She will be missed by her two horses, Henry and Hopi, as well as the wild critters she enjoyed watching and feeding at her home. Dogs were also a significant part of her life. She taught dog obedience and was the breeder of many champion dobermans and whippets through her own Mikater Kennels. Suzanne also helped train therapy dogs and belonged to the Doberman Society of America.

Suzanne led an active and holistic lifestyle. An avid reader, she also enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and cultural events. The Hendersonville Symphony and the Flat Rock Playhouse Productions were regular favorites, escorted by her Prince Charming (Patrick McHenry). She rode her horses often at either Biltmore Estate in Asheville or DuPont Forest.She had a large group of friends she rode with and traversed many miles and hours enjoying picnics and the great North Carolina weather.

The highlight of the past eight years were the many cruises Suzanne was able to enjoy with the "Handy Dandy Cruise Guy" (Patrick McHenry) He introduced her to 4 continents, a multitude of countries all in high style while at sea. Suzanne was also fortunate to ride horses in eight countries around the world.

Suzanne was born in Cedar Rapids to Cedric and Jane Hahn. She graduated from University of Iowa and used her education degree to teach first grade for 5 years at Pierce Elementary in Centerville, Iowa. Residences included Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Leesburg, Va.; and Hendersonville.

She was the "Elegant Woman" who will be mourned by her loving partner of 8 years, Patrick McHenry. She is survived by two brothers Richard Hahn, Rennie Hahn; three children, Michael (Linda) Sullivan and Kate Lathrop, both of Plano, Texas, and Erin Sullivan of Christiansburg, Va.; and step-son Charlie Olmsted (Sterling, Va); her grandchildren: Megan Sullivan, Jared Lathrop, Caleb Lathrop, Noah Lathrop, Byron Sullivan, Alex Sullivan, and Clare Sullivan. She is preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, George Olmsted Jr; sister Sondra Honsell and parents.

The family extends gratitude to all friends and staff of Four Seasons Compassion for Life.

Family and close friends are gathering for a private celebration of life.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.