Susan Fay Ryan

Susan Fay Ryan (1936-2025), daughter of Philip and Elinore Burns Fay of Lowell, Mass., died peacefully on April 2, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Raised in Milton, Mass., Susan attended Newton College of the Sacred Heart (now Boston College) and earned a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from Mount Holyoke College. Later, she earned a master’s degree in Journalism from Boston University. Susan paused her education to marry Captain Joseph W. Ryan (US Merchant Marine), start a family, and become involved in the community. A trailblazer, she impressed her new husband by running for Milton Town Council. (“Sue won the election!”)

In 1974, Susan, Joe, their five children, and the family dog made the journey from Cohasset, Mass., to Florida in a Ford Country Squire station wagon with a U-Haul in tow. They settled in Tequesta in northern Palm Beach County where the children went to Jupiter public schools, swam at the North Palm Beach Country Club, and the family worshipped at St. Jude’s and St. Paul of the Cross Catholic churches. With her youngest child in pre-school, and Cpt. Joe frequently at sea, Susan embarked on what would prove to be a 36-year career in education in local area schools, primarily teaching middle school Language Arts. Dedicated to her chosen profession, in her “spare time,” Susan achieved an Education Specialist degree and a Doctor of Education degree in the field of Early and Middle Childhood from Nova Southeastern University. She earned National Board Certification and twice received nominations for Teacher of the Year. In service to her community, Susan established a lending library at the Thelma B. Pittman Jupiter Preschool and was a board member from 1987-99. Susan’s commitment to literacy inspired her to obtain a master’s in Library Science degree from Florida State University, enabling her to contribute to the public school system as a Library Media Specialist for the last decade of her career.

In retirement, Susan furthered her love of language, literacy, and family, writing three books (two of which earned medals from FAPA); studied Spanish at several colleges and in several countries (Guatemala, Mexico, Spain, and at home); and joined a Spanish book club. The nickname “La Jefa” bestowed on Susan by the book club’s first-language Spanish speakers showed she held her own. The soundtrack to Susan’s golden years featured the music of renowned Mexican singer, José José, who became a friend. Most of all, Susan enjoyed spending time with her eight grandchildren and keeping up with all their activities and accomplishments.

Susan is survived by her children, Joy Ryan, Nicholas Ryan (Kristina), Antony Ryan (Pamala), and Fay Ryan (Thomas); grandchildren, Remedy, Audra, Elise, Penelope, Amelia, Savanna, Parker, and Nicole; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by brother, Philip Fay, Jr.; husband, Cpt. Joseph Ryan, and her youngest child, Thaddeus Broward Ryan.

A Mass in celebration of Susan’s extraordinary life will be held at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in North Palm Beach on April 12th at 1:30 p.m. For the service, Dr. Ryan’s final instruction to her class (which is toda la gente, of course) is to wear bright colors (no mourning colors, por favor).

A private interment will be held at The Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Tequesta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thaddeus Ryan Memorial Endowment for Latin American & Caribbean Studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa (For details, contact: Jennifer Morgan, [email protected])