Susan (Assunta) Rita Mangiamele Orlando, 91, of Smyrna, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with her daughter by her side.

Born on October 27, 1933, in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Vincent and Margaret Mangiamele. Susan attended St. Thomas Grammer School and graduated from Hallihan High School in 1951. She attended Immaculata University and entered the convent in 1952, becoming a member of the IHM Order (Sister Regina Vincent) for 5 ½ years.

After leaving the convent, she met the love of her life, Joseph M. Orlando, on a blind date in 1958.  They married in June 1959 and moved to Smyrna where Joe taught school. The couple made many lifelong friends in their early years, and Susan cherished those friendships throughout her life.

Though she briefly taught in the Caesar Rodney School District – where she embraced school integration in her classroom in 1959 – she spent most of her years as a homemaker, raising 5 children and later babysitting grandchildren.  Susan was deeply involved in her family's lives, supporting them in countless activities.

Together with Joe, she traveled the world, enjoyed many cruises and always made time to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Her greatest joys included spending time with her family, cheering for her beloved Phillies, and going out with her friends. You could always find her on the dance floor at family weddings and parties!

A faithful member of St. Joseph's and St. Polycarp's since 1959, she was a founding member of the BVM Sodality and was an active member of her parish, volunteering for many years.

Susan is survived by her children, Mary Grace (George), Margo, Marty (Tatiana), Michael (Liza) and Susan (Keith); grandchildren, Mario Orlando (Meg), Andrew Hutchinson (Alli), Daniel Taylor (Emily), Nicole Taylor (Ali) and Gina Taylor (Jimmy); and great grandchild, Braden Hutchinson. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly; Susan, Margo, Jimmy, Lois, Maria, Carole, Nick, Jackie, Mark, Paul, Karen, Kathy, Linda, Lisa, Ann, Frank, Ron, Susan, Jennifer, Patty and Albert; and her sister-in-law, Angel Grasso.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Joseph, in 2014 and by her grandson, Matthew Orlando in 2017. Also preceded in death by her 6 siblings, Daniel, Rachel, Nancy, Nicky, Anna and Marie.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to her daughter, Margo, who lovingly cared for her mother over the last 14 years.

A visitation will be held from 6-9 pm Tuesday July 15 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am Wednesday July 16 at St Polycarp Catholic Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camilla Hall, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern PA 19355.

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.