Commemorating the Book and Music Lady at Habitat ReStore in Williamsburg
Susan Werych was known as “the book and music lady” at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Williamsburg.
For several years, she was a fixture in the library, creating a welcoming place for customers to browse and buy books and media sources. Her death on Dec. 16, 2023, leaves a void at the ReStore, which will dedicate a memorial corner to the longtime volunteer with photos, flowers and cards. Williamsburg ReStore Manager Jonathan Martinez has organized a commemorative service for Susan that will be held on Friday, Feb. 23 at 9 a.m., in the library section of the ReStore. There will be special sales on books and music in honor of Susan’s memory. All staff, volunteers and the public are welcome to attend. Any flowers and cards received will be sent to Susan’s family.
Susan would have turned 81 on Feb. 23rd.
“My hope is that we will be able to convey what Susan has meant to our little library nook as well as what she meant to the entire ReStore family,” Martinez said.
Born in the village of Elm Grove, Wisconsin, Susan graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a political science degree. After retiring from the Social Security Administration, she volunteered at Colonial Williamsburg as a tour guide in costume and, in 2015, at the Williamsburg Habitat ReStore where, “She made the library her own. It was her baby. She wanted the library to succeed,” Martinez said.
Susan was also a talented artist, painting watercolors of landscapes and nature. She raised and cared for several species of butterflies and delighted in offering carrots to the bunnies in her yard. Her obituary reads, “Carrots & cocktails became a daily routine even if the bunnies were not present!”
Martinez added, “Susan brought joy wherever she went, and she always put a smile on my face.”
The library at the Williamsburg ReStore is located in the back of the Colony Room.
The Habitat ReStore sells gently used furniture, home goods, building materials and more at deeply discounted prices. All proceeds go toward Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities and hope.
The Habitat ReStore in Williamsburg is located at 1303 Jamestown Road. Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg operates additional ReStores in Newport News and Yorktown.
