Susan Stucynski, 61, IT project leader

Susan Moen Stucynski, 61, of Malvern, an information technology project manager, died Thursday, Dec. 15, of breast cancer at her home.

Mrs. Stucynski became a certified project manager, taking over big projects for software firms and other companies, at a time when few women had that responsibility, said her husband, Steven L.

Fresh out of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School with an M.B.A. in 1979, she joined Arthur Andersen L.L.P., a now-defunct accounting firm that had an office in Philadelphia.

After 10 years there, Mrs. Stucynski went to work for SAP A.G., a Newtown Square software firm. That led to a two-year stint at the firm's headquarters in Walldorf, Germany. While there, she and her husband lived in Heidelberg.

Mrs. Stucynski held positions at various times with Unisource Worldwide in Exton, ICG Commerce in Jenkintown, Capmark Financial, and the newly formed Berkadia in Horsham. She worked until five months ago, when complications from breast cancer set in, her husband said.

Born in Minneapolis, Mrs. Stucynski graduated from St. Anthony of Padua, a private school, in 1968.

She studied art history and archaeology at the University of Minnesota. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude in 1974.

While there, she met her husband. If they were to continue as a couple, she told him, he would have to learn ballroom dancing, which was her passion.

"It was the best thing I ever did. We enjoyed it our whole lives," he said.

The two were married in Rome and honeymooned at an archaeological excavation in Greece.

In 1975, the Stucynskis returned to Philadelphia so she could pursue graduate studies.

Their son, Joseph A., was born in 1992 while the couple lived in Germany, but they returned to the United States a year later and settled in Malvern.

Mrs. Stucynski created a jewelry design business called Sapphire Dreaming because she loved collecting stones and gems.

"She was never happier than when she was sitting on a large pillow on the floor of her 'bead room' surrounded by gems and settings, designing new creations," her husband said.

Surviving, in addition to her husband and son, are her mother, Lorna Bizek Moen; a brother; and a niece and a nephew.

A life celebration will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Mauger-Givnish of Malvern, 24 Monument Ave. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 at St. Patrick Church, 104 Channing Ave., Malvern. Interment will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123.