Susan Ann "Susie" Rau

Susan Ann “Susie” (Eslin) Rau passed away unexpectedly on June 2nd, 2023 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston following a decades-long battle with appendix cancer. She was 76 years old. Susie is survived by her husband of 41 years, J. Patrick Rau, her son and daughter-in-law Ken and Elaine Nichol, brothers Phil Eslin (Becky) and Mark Eslin (Barbie), her life-long “sister” and best friend, Lawanna Walde, Eslin family nephews and Rau family in-laws. Susie was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Josephine Eslin.

Susie was an exceptional, loving and incredibly generous wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.  Her passing has left a profound void for all who knew her. Susie courageously battled an extremely rare appendix cancer for over 28 years and was a tremendous role model to so many for the courage, tenacity, and positivity she steadfastly maintained throughout her battle. Before the cancer drastically altered Susie’s life, she loved to travel and experience all the joys that life has to offer, the most enjoyable of which was her love for cooking. The one thing cancer could not take away was Susie’s outsized generosity, whether family, friends or complete strangers, Susie continued till the end to look for every opportunity to give back and brighten someone else’s day. 

To honor Susie’s love of life and our memories of her, a Celebration of Life will be held Monday, 24 July, 2 pm at The Church of the Cross. Reception to follow at the adjacent Parrish Hall. The church's address is 110 Calhoun St., Bluffton, SC  29910. In lieu of flowers or other condolences, Susie’s wish is for those who want to give, to please make a donation to the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (ACPMP) Research Foundation (https://acpmp.org/get-involved/donate).

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