7 January 2025 marked the passing of a beautiful soul, Ida (Susie) Mae Sipe.  She died peacefully in LaPlata, MD at the age of 75 with her daughter and grandson holding her hand.  Ida (aka “Susie”) was born 18 April 1949 to a Navy family that lived in Maryland.  While they moved often, home for her was always Southern Maryland.  She spent much of her working life in the hospitality field, working as serving staff or a bartender.  Wherever she was, she was always the life of the party.  She had a quick wit and sarcasm that was enjoyed (most of the time) by all that knew her.  She was always a generous soul that would give you the shirt from her back if she thought you needed it.  She spent many years volunteering with “Meals on Wheels” and providing caregiving to elderly ladies who were dear to her heart.  She was an avid gardener and an excellent cook.  Most importantly, she loved her family and her Jesus with all that she had.

She was preceded in death just 3 short months earlier by her beloved husband, Clyde Shipp Sipe; they enjoyed 27 beautiful years together.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Finley and Mary Margaret Reid, brothers Thomas Finley Reid and William Floyd Atchison and sister Mary Nata Mix. 

She is survived by her children Melanie Webb (Robert) of Waldorf, MD, Adam Smith of Grafton, WV, Erik (Julie) Smith of unknown, by the grandson she raised, Tristin Finley Smith of Indian Head, MD and her stepdaughter Margorie “Margie” Marshall (J. Keith) of Amissville, VA and stepson Clyde S. Sipe (Debbie) of North Carolina.  She leaves behind her grandchildren, Alex (Hope) Smith-Trollinger of York, PA; Chris Smith of Indian Head, MD; Erin Webb of Waldorf, MD; Amber “Rosey” Maddox of Fredericksburg, VA and 6 beautiful great grandchildren.  She is also survived by dearly loved sisters Frances Betty Jaurequi of Vista, CA and Iris May Wuchterl of Milwaukee, WI. 

While her absence leaves a deep sorrow, her spirit will be forever remembered and cherished.  She leaves a legacy of love and a life fully lived on her own terms.  The memory of Ida’s beautiful personality and her infectious laughter will be cherished by all who loved her.

The family will receive friends at Potomac Heights Baptist Church, Indian Head, MD on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM until time of her memorial service at 10 AM.  Internment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 11:15 AM.