Susan Dorothea Rautine

Susan Dorothea Rautine, 88, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on 29 June 2026 after a long life devoted to family, service, learning, and community. Born in Erie on 12 April 1938 to Dorothea Wilkins Rautine and Toivo Sulo Rautine, Susan lived mostly in Erie County and Cleveland before moving to Monterey, California, where she lived for three decades. In 2024, she returned to Erie to share her final years with her son.

A 1956 graduate of McDowell High School, Susan went on to attend Bowling Green University, earning a Distinguished Service Award in 1960. She was a proud member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Early in her career, she worked in the Marriage License Department at the Erie County Courthouse—an experience that inspired many of her stories. Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and later completed two Master of Arts degrees at Edinboro University (now Pennsylvania Western University, PennWest Edinboro): English in 1981 and Art History in 1989.

Susan’s professional life reflected her commitment to education, advocacy, and the arts. She wrote for the Erie Art Museum, Erie & Chautauqua Magazine, and American Sterilizer Company. Susan served as Newsletter Editor for the Monterey County YWCA, worked as Publications Manager at SirsiDynix, and was an Editor for CTB/McGraw-Hill. Susan was a photographer and co-Editor for Lake Erie Institute of Rehabilitation newsletters. She also served as Relief Staff Counselor for the YWCA Domestic Violence Safehouse in Monterey and Supervisor of Personal Care Attendants for Edinboro University’s Office of Disabled Student Services. For five years, Susan taught English at Penn State Behrend; she also taught High School English in Wattsburg, PA, sharing her love of language with her students.

Her volunteer work was equally extensive and impactful. She served the United Nations Association Monterey Bay Chapter as Board Member, Newsletter Editor, Community Education Chair, and Advocacy Chair. She volunteered with the Naval Postgraduate School’s English as a Second Language Program, supporting spouses of international officers adjusting to life far from home. From 2001 to 2004, she mentored women reentry students at Monterey Peninsula College, and in 2003 she contributed her talents as Board Member and Publicity Chair for the Monterey Peninsula Quilt Guild.

Susan’s dedication earned numerous honors, including recognition as a 2005 Outstanding Women Event Honoree by the Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women, the 2004 United Nations Association Northern California Division Award, and the 2003 Iona Logie Award from the YWCA of Monterey County.

A woman of wide-ranging interests and creative gifts, Susan found joy in photography, quilting, poetry, and writing. As a young adult, she loved music and often traveled to hear big bands in Erie (Waldameer) and in Cleveland. She was an avid gardener and nature enthusiast, hiking throughout the Erie region, along the California coast, and across the American West. In her later years, she cherished regular visits to Presque Isle State Park. Susan also played guitar and sang for pleasure, sharing her love of music with those around her.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy Rautine Fuhrer; her brothers, T. Bert Rautine, John “Jack” Rautine, and Gary Rautine; and by her beloved husbands Gene Alan Barnes, George E. Pitluga, Stanley Jacobs, and Richard Charles Bainbridge.

She is survived by her children, Benton Charlie Bainbridge and Rachel Beth Bainbridge Steinberg; her son‑in‑law, Robert Andrew Steinberg; her grandson, Ezra Eban Bainbridge‑Powers; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Susan will be laid to rest beside her parents at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Erie, Pennsylvania. Memorial details will be shared once arrangements are finalized. All arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

Her legacy of kindness, advocacy, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her.