Susan has been gone four years—seems so long ago—yet like it was just yesterday. And gone too young.
I am glad that our families kept in touch over the years, even if only by holiday cards, and I remember fondly our time together at National Geographic, a few parties, Girls Beach Weekend, and Susan and Robin's wedding. I caught her bouquet—yellow roses—and always think of her when I see a yellow rose.

Dear Robin,
I am truly saddened that Susan is gone, saddened for you and sons Dan and John Paul, her brothers, and for all who knew and loved Susan. 

My best memories of Susan were from our days at National Geographic. She was always serious and professional at work as a proofreader. I, on the other hand was a very unserious typesetter, and I enjoyed making Susan laugh. We had good fun outside of work—our Girls Beach Weekend with Tinia Grove, and the very silly Bachelorette Party we had forSusan. She had a great sense of humor and was willing to join in the fun,

I will always we remember fondly your wedding 50 years ago—the beautiful sunny day, the  Pohick Church, the reception, and Susan as a beautiful bride with her bouquet of yellow roses.

Thank you for sharing Susan’s last years with us on Facebook. Your strength, compassion and dedication to Susan, your willingness to share your life, and hers, throughout her last years, speaks so highly of your love and devotion, and the incredible person that you are. If only more people could be like you the world would be a much better place. I admire your strength.

I am so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing.  We worked together at the Mortgage Bankers Association years ago in the Education Department.  When she left the MBA, I wish I had kept in touch with her, but life placed us on different paths.  I remember her like it was yesterday though and the pictures on the website in her younger days reflect how I still see her.  She was very smart with a quick wit and a wry smile that probably covered many a “laugh out loud” moments.  She was always thoughtful and kind and willing to take others under her wing and help them in their endeavors (including me when I first started working with her). We went through pregnancies together and I know how much she loved her family. Her passing is a major loss to us all.

We are so sorry to hear of Susan' s passing. I didn't see my cousin much once we had grown and left our parents' homes.  I have a lovely memory of Susan and her son Daniel meeting my mother and our family for lunch in DC.  She was kind, and caring and will be forever remembered. Our condolences to you all.

  
What an extraordinary run of little pleasures I enjoyed, knowing Susan through an entire lifetime!

In my first childhood memory, we were rushing across rural Kansas to pick up our mother and the new baby, but we paused at red flashing lights on a dark railroad crossing. A year later in a pink bonnet and matching frock she was toddling around in our front yard. Infants and rug rats, adolescents and teenagers, Susan and I grew up together.

She was always Dad’s favorite, the only daughter. His family, and ours had too many boys. She made him proud, and he swore she would have been valedictorian if clannish favoritism in Idaho Falls hadn’t been a factor. Surely Susan was the most conscientious student and scholar in our family.

Off to college, Susan went to GWU in Washington and got a B.A. in History. Afterwards, she stayed in the D.C. area and worked for National Geographic and Freddie Mac. Washington’s museums and art galleries were her favorite haunts. More study, she took an MBA from Virginia Tech and moved into the mortgage banking business. She traveled nationwide and conducted training seminars at banks and S&Ls. In those days it seemed she was always out in Texas, or in California. Later, Susan left much-loved Washington and went to work for BofA as a corporate executive at their headquarters in Charlotte.

Contending with older brothers, Susan exercised exquisite patience. Wait for it! Her sharp-witted “cut-you-off-at-the-ankles” retorts and repartee were always dead-on and perfectly timed. You would have to be there and be in the moment to understand the sparkling mischievous sense of humor that was forthcoming. She left us speechless. And then we would all laugh together, laugh until we could hardly breathe.

It is so very difficult to say goodbye to such a light. I have lost a whole-life best friend. I love you and miss you dearest Susan, and I will keep you forever in my heart. 


Hi Robin,

You would remember me as Cathy Wells. 40+ years ago we shared an office at National Geo. Good times.

Anne Hall notified me about Susan's passing. 

I remember when you first started dating Susan and fell into love and then marriage. Susan was always smiling and laughing, especially when around you. Soulmates for sure and forever.

My sympathies to you and to your children as well. 

Kelley (aka Cathy)



I met Susan in the MFA program at Queens University in 2008. We spent the first workshop with Susan Perabo - Susan and I were two of four writing fellows in the pod. At residencies, I totally admired Susan's maximumly cool clogs and coordinated socks, especially the pink ones. She'd also worked in real estate finance, and she loved art. Her Queens nickname, in fact, is Art Diva. I even remember the stories she wrote, their scenes and characters, because of her lovely writing style.  We practiced for days with each other on our solo graduating craft seminars, taking turns making believe the other was the audience. She helped me a lot! Rest in peace, Susan. You remain in our hearts ❤️

Robin we are so saddened by this news.  Susan was such a lovely person.  Kind.  Patient. Warm.  Wise.  And funny.  But what I remember most about Susan is the remarkable sense of calm that touched all those who shared the privilege of her presence.  May this calm reassurance bring you and your family peace and comfort at this tender time.  
 
I found this beautiful photo you took of the sunset on St. Catherine's Island.  I hope it brings you happy memories.  
I'm so sorry that we haven't kept in touch since your move to Charlotte.  Hope we can change that.  We think of you often and send our love.  

Robin, Dan, and John:  We are so sorry to hear of Susan's passing, but understand that this is after a long and difficult journey of illness.  We send our love and thoughts of comfort.  May the sadness now dissolve into smiles at the memories of good times together.  We are fortunate to have gotten to know that wonderful and special person.  JF and Heather

While I never had the opportunity to meet Susan Bray, I have the pleasure of knowing Robin and Dan.  Given the example, character, and personality of her family, I imagine she was a singularly wonderful person. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Corcoran family are with the Bray family, and we offer our love and sincere condolences.

Robin & Family, So very sorry to learn that Susan has died. I think I was her first boss when we worked together as editors at Systems Consultants in Georgetown. During and after that time, we often did craft shows and antiquing together. Perhaps, Robin, you still have the antique mirror I gave you both as a wedding gift.  If so, perhaps she thought of me fondly from time to time, as I did her.  Sadly, we never reconnected. — Andrea (Kailo) Pendleton 

Thinking of you and your family at this time. We will deeply cherish Susan's memory and friendship. 

OBITUARY

Susan Ruppel Bray

10 January, 1954 – 1 July, 2020

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

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