Susie Conrad

Susie devoted her professional life to education, retiring as a Work Study Coordinator after serving students at several area high schools, including West, North, Whetstone, and Briggs. A passionate advocate for students with special needs, she served as Past President of the Council for Exceptional Children and was honored as Educator of the Year by the organization. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to service, she also received the Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Service from the Mayor of Columbus.

Deeply committed to her community, Susie served on numerous boards and organizations throughout her life, including the Junior League of Columbus, the Dublin Counseling Center, the Junior Division of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the American Business Women’s Association. She was actively involved in the Dublin Women in Business and Professions and the Dublin Women’s Club. Susie was also a proud member of the West High School Alumni Association and the Ohio State Alumni Club.

One of Susie’s greatest joys was her more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Columbus Zoo. Her impact there was lasting and meaningful: she served as Vice Chair of Zoofari, was instrumental in the Wazoo fundraiser for 13 years, and held leadership roles on both the Zoo Association Board and the Zoombezi Bay Board. Her passion for the Zoo, its mission, and its community was unwavering.

Susie is survived by her brother, George (Linda) Griffith; her nieces and nephews Jerry (Gina) Griffith, Darin (Emily) Griffith, Lauren (Mickey) MacNeil, Jessie (Louie) Cervone, Sam Griffith, Kim (Mike) Thomas, Cassie (Howard) Gourley, and Misty Martin-Fuller; cousin Nate Thompson; 16 great nieces and nephews and 5 great great nieces and nephews along with many extended family members and friends who cherished her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Conrad; her father, Harold Griffith; her mother, Susie Goheen; her brothers, Tom Griffith and John Griffith; her grand-nephew, Woods John Cervone; and cousins Debbie Hut, Roma Johnson.

A memorial service celebrating Susie’s life will be held at a later date.

Susie will be remembered for her generosity, leadership, and tireless dedication to education, volunteerism, and community service. Her legacy of compassion and commitment lives on through the many lives she touched.