OBITUARY: Beloved Brevard Philanthropist, Devoted Wife and Mother Susie Wasdin Passes Away at 77
By Space Coast Daily // October 1, 2026
Susie’s journey was touched by Alzheimer’s disease, but the illness could never erase the remarkable life she had built
Susan Passed Away Sept. 29 After a Long Bout with Alzheimer’s Disease
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Susie Wasdin was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, businesswoman, philanthropist, and longtime member of the Brevard County community whose life was defined by family, friendship, service, and generosity.
Susie graduated from Cocoa Beach High School in 1967, where she was a cheerleader, band member, homecoming queen, and active in student government.
Her involvement in school reflected the outgoing spirit, enthusiasm, leadership, and love of community she carried throughout her life. She continued her education at Brevard Junior College before attending the University of Florida, where she earned a degree in education.
Susie was a proud Florida Gator, and her love for the University of Florida stayed with her throughout her life. She loved cheering on the Gators and carried her Gator pride wherever she went.
After earning her degree, Susie began her career as a teacher. She later entered real estate and development, building a successful career as an owner and Vice President of Wasdin Associates. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication made her part of the growth and development of the community she called home.
Andi Pelecki, longtime CFO of Wasdin Associates, has been an important part of both the company and the Wasdin family.
After many years working alongside Tom and Susie, Andi became far more than a colleague—she became family. Her loyalty, friendship, and dedication have made her the glue that has helped hold Wasdin Associates together through the years.
Family was at the heart of Susie’s life. She was born to Gordon Henry Thortsen and Opal Maree Madison and grew up alongside her siblings, Sheralyn Rae Ekstrom and Leon “Verne” Thortsen.
In 1985, Susie married Thomas Errol “Tom” Wasdin, the love of her life, in a sunset ceremony aboard a sailboat at Mallory Square in Key West. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, friendship, family, and community.
Tom was her partner through life, and the memories and adventures they shared were among her greatest treasures.
Susie was the mother of Andrew “Drew” Von Wasdin, her only son, and a loving stepmother to Steven “Steve” Charles Wasdin and Lori Wasdin.
Both shared important parts of Susie and Tom’s life through the years.
Steve was involved in the family business for a time, while Lori later stepped in to help care for Susie, providing love and support when it was needed most. Susie was also a loving mother-in-law to Lindsay Wasdin, Drew’s wife.
Drew was one of the greatest loves of Susie’s life and an extraordinary source of pride and joy. Being his mother was among her greatest blessings, and the special bond they shared remained deeply meaningful throughout her life.
Susie was a proud grandmother to Steven Charles Wasdin II, Staisha Lynn Bannerman, Christine Marie Wasdin, Kelsey Nicole Azzam, Elizabeth Anne Wasdin, Hunter Dean Stroh, Hayden Ridge Stroh, Isabella Rae Stroh, Delaney Anne Stroh, Brayden Andrew Wasdin, and Samantha Anne Wasdin, and a loving and proud great-grandmother.
She found tremendous joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and in watching her family continue to grow through the generations.
Susie treasured her friendships as well, especially the one she shared with her best friend, Lori Mangiaracina. Their friendship was filled with years of memories, laughter, love, and companionship, and Lori held a very special place in Susie’s heart.
Susie also had a fun-loving side and was affectionately known as the “Thrift Queen.” She loved thrift shopping and had a knack for finding hidden treasures and a great deal. It was one of the simple pleasures she truly enjoyed and a part of her personality that family and friends will fondly remember.
