Obituary for Susan Gray

Susan Kathleen Gray, resident of the universe, left this world to find her ultimate peace on February 22, 2024. She was surrounded by the love of her children and serenaded with her favorite song, Blackbird by The Beatles. Of all the roles she played in life, onstage and off, her most cherished were being “Mom/Mama” to her masterpieces and “SuSu” to her beloved grandbabes. 

While earthbound, Susie filled the world with magic. For her, everything was a song, as music and a flair for dramatics flowed through her veins. She loved Paul McCartney and The Beatles, watching the tennis matches of Andre Agassi and the movies of Russell Crowe, junk food, oversized t-shirts, the colors of autumn, people with true wit, the wee late hours of the night, cloudy days, and being a fierce feminine force. 

Sudey was an artist. Among her many talents, she graced the stage and director’s chair of countless musicals, independently owned and operated a small craft store - Little Things Mean a Lot, configured dried-flower arrangements, designed and stitched Sudey Babes teddy bears by hand, penned and published novels and short stories through her online publishing company - Aphrodite Unlaced, hammered silver jewelry, stamped stationery, strung malas, and assembled dreamcatchers. She dreamed and she created. 

Those who knew Suze knew great comfort and gut laughs. Her voice and her hugs were a balm for the weary and she was quick to embrace and support any and all passions - making you feel like anything was possible and that you’d always have a number one fan. Her smile was infectious and when her eyes sparkled with mischief, you knew a hearty round of laughter would soon follow. She loved massively, without condition; she laughed ardently, with abandon. 

Susan is survived with adoring love by her children, Steve, and Emily Ziesenheim; grandchildren Arden, Christian, and John; second daughter, Courtney, and second son, Evan; sister Patricia Morrill and brother David Morrill; nieces Katy & Wendy and nephews Nathan & Denzil; and fur-babes Lilly & Gwennie. Susan will be joining her choir of angels including her parents, Jean (Gray) and Denzil Morrill; her sister and best friend Nancy Burdick; her bambino Crystal; and fur-babes Ducan, Punkin, Toni, Gracie, Sam, Tom, Zoey, and Molly. 

Mom/Mama, you have given us the truest example of how to love beyond measure. We will always and in all ways be your Sprite and your Gladiator. With strength and honor, we carry you in our hearts until we meet again. We are because you were. Thank you. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in June to commemorate the woman who was Susan Kathleen, Sudey Wonkus, Sudey, Susie, Sudsmo, Mama, Mom, QT, S.K. Gray, Suze, SuSu, and beyond - the Goddess of Nothing Important.