Sue Delana (nee Peterson) Jennings, age 86, of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2021, at INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital, surrounded by her adoring family.

Sue was born on August 7, 1935, in Hampton, Iowa, the first daughter of Walter Chester Peterson and Berenice Theodosia Purcell. She spent her childhood playing and working at the Windsor Theatre, owned, and operated by her father and Grandfather for nearly 60 years.

Sue graduated from Hampton High School in 1953 where she was a member of the Pep squad, choir, and played percussion in the band. She then attended William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri, earning a two-year degree in Education. There she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. In 1961, Sue earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Washington. She used her skills to teach Second Grade and Kindergarten and later to help spread her love of the needle arts.

Sue's Norwegian paternal grandmother taught her to knit at age 5 and she was soon making wash cloths and slippers to donate to the War Relief effort. She also learned to do huck weaving and basic cross stitch. Sue's mother was a top-notch seamstress, who made many of the outfits that Sue and her 3 sisters wore. Thus, from early on, needlework formed a vital part of Sue's cultural heritage.

In 1977, Sue opened The Needlewoman East, offering needlepoint and cross stich supplies in Falls Church, Virginia. The Needlewoman East became a hub for needle art lovers in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Sue and her dedicated crew hosted a busy schedule of classes and seminars, and she was an active member of The National NeedleArts Association and the American Needlepoint Guild, attending markets several times a year.

Sue continued her love of the musical arts as a member of the Vienna Falls Chapter of Sweet Adelines, an all-woman choir and singing a cappella music in four-part barbershop style. She also enjoyed playing in her church bell choir at Lansdowne Woods.

Sue was the definition of a patriot and was known far and wide for her admiration of the American flag and the United States Capitol, unabashedly advertising her love of country through her choice of wardrobe. Red, white, and blue clothing with Americana embellishment became her trademark.

At Christmas time she embodied the spirt of Mrs. Claus, and we will remember Sue as a giver of the most thoughtful gifts, many of which she spent countless hours handcrafting for both family and friends.

Sue was also a world traveler, visiting Europe multiple times, Japan, and the South Pacific.

Sue was a friend to many and was an active participant in her church and many community organizations. After selling her store, she held board positions and hosted clubs in her retirement community. She was an avid and skilled card player, enjoying regular bridge games with her neighbors.

Sue is survived by her sisters: Sally Hemmes, of Hampton, IA, Sandy LeClercq of Seattle, WA, and Sonja Vosburg of Hampton, IA. Her children: Stacy Sue Donnelly of Front Royal, VA and Sean Keoni Walaka Murtha of Hamilton, VA. Grandchildren: Seanan Corin Rooney Aubouin, Kailin Cori Donnelly, Jesse Francis Donnelly, Jordan Delana Donnelly, and Neil Isaac Murtha. And great-grandchildren: Amelie Belle Aubouin, Avlynn May Aubouin, and Arabella Francis Nicole Beaty.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation in Memory of Sue to the American Lung Association at https://www.lung.org