SUSAN SHORT EISENHARDT McKAY (84) passed peacefully on October 6, 2026, with her son at her side. She was born in Springfield, Missouri, and spent the bulk of her life in Charleston, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Susan was a vibrant extrovert who loved to be involved in any excitement. She was a member of many community groups throughout her life, including The Raleigh Blind Lions, Red Hat Society, Eastern Star, and the Pilot Club. Susan was a collector of both items and experiences, including her collectibles and her prized wardrobe, always enjoying a new outfit. The greatest adventures of her life were shared with her beloved husband, John. They enjoyed traveling together and sharing time with family and friends. They ran a bed and breakfast together in Louisburg, The Hearthside Inn, and traveled the U.S. in an RV. Susan always said John had a knack for making her laugh and made sure she never took herself too seriously.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Marguerite Short; her brother, Jim Short; and her husband, John McKay. She is survived by her children, Lisa Bender (Jeff), Rob Eisenhardt (Angela); and her inherited sons, David McKay (Kathleen) and Philip McKay (Rebecca); her grandchildren, Jacob Bender (Stephanie), Eliza Eisenhardt Schmidt (Joel), and Sophie Eisenhardt; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Casey Bender.

Susan’s favorite quote was by Flavia Weedn: “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” We are thankful Susan was part of our lives and left footprints on our hearts.

A service of life will be held on Saturday, October 10th at Renaissance Funeral Home at 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 at 9:30am. Family will receive guests 30 min prior.

In lieu of flowers, Susan requested donations be made to Wakefield United Methodist Church or The North Carolina Blind Lions Club.