Susan Louise Fortuna

In Loving Memory of Susan Fortuna

Born on May 27th, 1932, Susan Fortuna came into the world with a bright spirit destined to touch many lives. From her youth, her vibrant joy and sense of wonder found their purest expression through her art, setting the foundation for a life filled with creativity and warmth.

Susan’s journey saw her graduate from a small high school in South Philadelphia in 1950, a time when her creative gifts began to truly shine. She earned the distinguished honor of being a runner-up for a scholarship to the Tyler School of Art—an extraordinary achievement for a woman in the arts during that era—highlighting her unwavering determination and raw talent.

In 1952, Susan married Charles Louis Tisa, embarking on a life together that flourished with the joy of five beloved children: Renee, Charlene, Richard, Charles, and Joseph. Seventeen years later, she found companionship once more with Angelo Fortuna, sharing 43 cherished years together until his passing in 2020.

Life gifted Susan with many seasons—some radiant, others challenging—but always she embraced each chapter with grace, emerging stronger and wiser. Once her children had grown, Susan rekindled her passion for art with renewed enthusiasm. Best known for her pottery lovingly called “SusiePots,” she fostered a thriving community of artists bound by support and friendship. Beyond her pottery, Susan was a gifted painter whose soulful portraits captured the very essence of her friends and family.

More than her artistic achievements, Susan will be remembered as a woman of profound generosity and warmth. She was a shining spiritual beacon, gracing every room with her open heart, kind smile, and infectious joy.

Her enduring legacy lives on—in the beauty of her art, the love she poured into her family, and the vibrant community she inspired. Susan Fortuna’s light continues to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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