Dr. Susan Clough Youtz died on June 4, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania, after a life marked by intelligence, humor, curiosity, and deep devotion to the people and places she loved. She was born on September 28, 1944, in Boston and throughout her life she carried with her the energy, independence, and adventurous spirit that so many admired.
She is survived by her spouse, Linda Higginson; her son, Eric Youtz; her grandsons, Liam Youtz and Jackson Youtz; her sister, Pamela Rand (Michael); and her brothers Gordon Clough (Jane) and Paul Clough (Jennifer). Susan was preceded in death by her parents Bradlee Clough and Mary Gordon Clough; brother Bradlee Clough; and son E. Bradlee Youtz.
Susan was a woman of remarkable accomplishment and broad interests. She earned her R.N. credential at the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing, went on to receive her B.S. in Nursing from The College of New Jersey and later completed her M.A. in Nursing at New York University. She continued her education at Penn State University, where she earned the D.Ed. in Counselor Education. Her commitment to learning reflected both her intellectual gifts and her belief in the value of service, growth, and lifelong education.
Her professional life was distinguished by years of dedicated work in nursing education and university leadership. She served on the faculty at Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she contributed to the education of future nurses with care and expertise. At Penn State University, she held multiple important roles and made a lasting impact across several campuses and departments. She served as Coordinator of Nursing Programs at the Abington and Brandywine Campuses; Assistant Director of the School of Nursing, overseeing undergraduate nursing programs at University Park and ten additional campuses; Administrative Fellow in Outreach and Cooperative Extension; Director of the School of Nursing’s Rural Nursing Center Project; and Executive Director of the University Faculty Senate, where she proudly served as the first female faculty member to lead the Senate’s administrative office. Susan retired from Penn State with emerita status after 31 years at the University. In each position, she was known for her intelligence, steadiness, and thoughtful leadership. She brought to her work a combination of professionalism, good judgment, and a sincere commitment to the mission of higher education.
Susan was admired not only for her accomplishments, but also for the qualities that made her such a memorable presence in the lives of others. She was vibrant, intelligent, and adventurous, and she was well-known for her sense of humor that could brighten a room. From her early years Susan was an ardent supporter of gender equity, having served as a chapter officer of NOW (National Organization for Women), and she mentored many women (and men) students in pursuit of their nursing careers. Also, she was a dedicated and highly knowledgeable gardener who found joy in tending the earth and watching things grow. A superior player at Scrabble, Susan was so intimidating that opponents did not dare challenge the legitimacy of a word she had played. She was also an avid reader, especially of her beloved New York Times and Chronicle of Higher Education, and she valued the perspective and connection that came from staying informed and engaged with the world around her.
Those who knew Susan will remember her as someone who lived with purpose and grace. She approached life with curiosity and strength, and she met each stage of her journey with resilience and wit. Her presence enriched her family, her colleagues, her students, and her friends. She will be remembered with affection and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Susan was so fortunate to spend the past three years as a resident of Juniper’s Wellspring Memory Care Community, where she received exceptional, loving care. Also, Susan received exceedingly compassionate care from the staff of Pinnacle Hospice.
A life as full and varied as Susan’s is remembered not only for the milestones she achieved, but also for the warmth, wit, and intelligence she brought to everyday life. She leaves a legacy of dedication to education and service, along with countless memories that will be treasured by those who loved her.
A private memorial service will be scheduled at the convenience of the family.
As a past member of the Board of Directors at Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM), Susan would be greatly honored by memorial gifts directed to CVIM at 2026 Sandy Drive, State College, PA 16803.