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Susan Mason Getty left this earth on April 19.

Hikes through woods still bring fond memories of her. Dancing, meditating, practicing yoga, and eating chocolate also trigger thoughts of "forever young" Susan.

Members of the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, such as Joyce Travers, recall Getty 's avid devotion to trees, wild flowers, and especially meandering hiking trails curving down through valleys, then ascending hills lush with mountain laurel during spring and aflame with colored leaves during autumn.

Getty's hikes averaged 10 to 14 miles, according to her daughter Marta Getty. A few years ago, she hiked England coast to coast in three weeks. Whenever she couldn't get to the mountains or Europe, she walked locally, picking up litter along the way.

One of Getty's greatest gifts to friends was volunteering to lead hikes. Fellow hikers appreciated that she made these ventures memorable by sharing her knowledge concerning the trail.

Always considerate, she engaged in conversation with those who followed her, and checked often to make sure everyone was safe. Most relished, too, the treats Getty brought to share: Home-baked brownies. Though thin and toned, Getty admitted that she loved chocolate almost as much as she loved hiking.

For more than six decades, she remained on the move. Agile on the dance floor, she enjoyed dance so much that sometimes, she'd laugh gently and dance alone. She also practiced yoga, stretching her body into meditative poses.

Yet, for Getty, an administrator at Greensboro College before her retirement, life was always more than exercise. She stretched herself mentally as well. An avid reader, she religiously perused each issue of The New Yorker.

She considered staying abreast of culture, politics and the arts a duty. She loved talking about the latest play showing at the Broach or Triad Stage; she kept a list of favorite books to recommend to friends; and when she traveled abroad, she absorbed every unusual detail to share with friends.

Getty's days were filled with sun and laughter, a contentment made possible by her decision to retire early in order to pursue all the activities she most enjoyed. Never regretting the decision, she sometimes worked at temporary jobs such as substitute teaching or as a reader at Measurement Inc. to supplement her income.

A believer in thrift, she lived well but modestly, even shunning air conditioning. Preferring a casual, yet feminine look, she always managed to look stunning in simple skirts and tops, often purchased from consignment shops.

Occasionally, she traveled to Buckingham, Va., where she meditated and worked in an ashram.

Spirituality, her greatest strength, helped Getty make it through the tough times, such as the diagnosis of skin cancer. She fought hard, going to Mount Sinai Hospital for two difficult surgeries. Her recovery was considered miraculous, considering the complexity. Getty did hike again, and dance.

With the help of friends and family, the possibility of resuming a normal life seemed almost probable. But in 2009, doctors told her the cancer had spread.

Her daughter, Marta Getty , said, "What amazed me most about my mother is that she never complained. She remained optimistic and never indulged in self pity."

On April 23, a Celebration of Life service was held at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Greensboro. More than 300 friends attended.

Getty's hiking boots, a poignant reminder of her love of the outdoors, stood on a table near the front. Fellow hikers walked to the table bringing wildflower arrangements in small vases to honor her memory.

After a recorded chant by the Dali Lama, the Rev. Jim Dollar welcomed those who had come. " Susan had a good death," he said, "because she lived a good life."

During the service, some of Getty's favorite poems, including "Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver, were read and favorite music was performed by Patrick Darab, Amanda Matthews and Eve Hubbard.

Her children, Julia, Marta and Richard Getty, as well as other family members and friends, spoke of Getty 's unique life, a life filled with faith, hope and light.

Following the ceremony, those attending met in the fellowship to share food, punch, and memories. The large platters of brownies disappeared quickly.

Later, Getty's ashes were scattered in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A trail there will be named for her.

Contact Sandra Redding at sanredd@earthlink.net