Suzanne Alma Sena

Suzanne “Sue” Sena, of Hendersonville, wife of the late Russell M. Sena, passed away on October 3, 2024 following a period of declining health. Born on March 22, 1942, in Syracuse, NY, she was a daughter of the late Martha Grube Forsythe and William Forsythe. 

Sue had a BS in choral music education from Florida State University where she excelled in piano. After graduating, Sue moved to Rincon, Georgia where she taught chorus at Effingham, Co. High School until her first son, Craig, was born and taught piano lessons in her home. 

For several years Sue also had a rewarding career as a social worker with the Effingham Co. Department of Family and Children Services. She continued in Buncombe, Co., NC after moving, in the early 90’s, to Hendersonville. During this time, Sue made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of several children from broken homes. Many stayed in touch with her into adulthood, praising her for changing their lives for the better.

Sue had a joy for music which always filled her home, particularly classical, and was the first piano teacher for her youngest son Scott, and her grandchildren. While living in Ga. Sue enjoyed singing in the Savannah Symphony Chorale and was organist and choir director for her church, St. John’s Lutheran. Sue was a Christian woman with a strong faith, always loyal and active in every church she was a member of.

In North Carolina, Sue was a member of the Asheville Area Piano Forum and, at 82, still taught private lessons in the Hendersonville area, was an occasional pianist at her church, the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, and loved playing for family and friends. 

Her passions extended beyond music; Sue was also a self-taught painter, mastering oils as a pastime while her boys were toddlers, and later in life she enjoyed an annual tradition of collaborating with son Craig on a watercolor painting. Very fond of the stage, while in Georgia, Sue founded and directed performances at The Effingham Little Theater. In Hendersonville, she performed locally with the Apple Tart Queens group as her character, “Crabby Apple.”

Sue had a gift of conversation and loved socializing in her community and traveling with dear friends. She and her husband, Russ, formed strong and meaningful friendships wherever they lived, many for a lifetime.

Always creating in the kitchen, her culinary delights were as rich and harmonious as the chords she played on the piano. Sue enjoyed entertaining as the most unique hostess and had a flair for hosting theme nights with the "Bachelor Nation" TV show and “Three C” nights, where chocolate, champagne, and an assortment of cheeses were served. Her personality radiated warmth, energy, and wit and would always note, “It’s all about the look,” referring to her exquisite and unique style for decorating. 

Sue’s legacy will remain in the hearts of all she touched. Her life was a beautiful melody that continues to echo in the laughter of friends and the loving memories shared among family.

She is survived by her sons, Craig Sena and his wife, Teri, and Scott Sena and his wife, Gigi; grandchildren, Chloe, Cole, Sophia, Zoe, and Giselle, who considered her a loving, fun grandmother and referred to her as “Grammy Sue.”

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Sue will be held at the Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd in Brevard, NC, on November 9th at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Lutheridge Lutheran Summer Camp, or to the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson, Co. 

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.