Susan was born in Baltimore, Maryland. As an “army brat,” she lived all over the country, from San Francisco, California, to San Antonio, Texas, to Augusta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with a B.A. in Chemistry in 1961. While living in Japan, Susan trained in “Ikebana,” the art of Japanese flower arranging in which she earned four certificates and a teaching credential. She learned the art of glass blowing at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle and the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. Susan's work is often characterized by signature swirls of glass that wrap around the edge and body of the piece. She prefers the freedom of movement and the optical effect of light traveling through clear, vibrant colors. Mixing the colors within the heated process helps produce the lyrical fluted forms and creates uniqueness to each sculpture. Her degree in chemistry and teachers certification in Japanese flower arranging, Ikebana, help her to achieve the inherent beauty found in the balance of art and science. Her original and like flower bearing plants, each offers a new and unique design. Her degree in chemistry and training certification in Sogetsu School of Japanese Flower Arranging led to integrating vibrant glass flower creations with blown glass containers and goblets.
In 1992, she founded The Glass Kingdom a glass blowing studio and business with her husband, Dave Donalson and son, Rich. Pitkethly. She produced several commissioned works for clients such as: the Ste. Michelle Winery, Digital Systems, Microsoft, and The Boeing Company. Her art has been exhibited at numerous shows, including: the permanent display in the new Environmental Protection Agency; the International Exhibition of Glass Kanazawa in Ishikawa, Japan; the Glass Ornament Collection for the White House Christmas Tree; and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Donalson; her children—David A., Albert Jay, Narda, Tom, and Rich Pitkethly; her three siblings—David, Richard, and Judith Glass; and her four grandchildren—Sadieanne, AJ, Raleigh, and Alex.