Susan Shediac Ryan

Susan was the beloved wife of Michael Denver Ryan, and a devoted mother to her son Michael Ryan and daughter Melissa Ryan. She was a proud mother-in-law to Julie Ryan and a cherished grandmother to Charlie Ryan, her only grandson, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her sisters Grace Carlisle and Becky Romig; her sister and brother-in-law Cathy Hawkins and Les Ryan; her many beloved nieces and nephews; her friends from childhood Carol Sanford and Marjorie Myers Bazzell; along with many extended family members, friends, and neighbors whose lives she touched.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa and Abood Shediac; her in-laws, Denver and Norma Ryan; her brothers-in-law John Carlisle and Herb Romig; and dear family friends Mary Jane Saig and Adam Mathews, who will now welcome her home.

A retired Internal Revenue Service agent, Susan continued her working life post-retirement at Gretchen’s Hallmark, where her warmth and kindness were shared with her customers. She was deeply engaged in the Mandarin community and known for her tireless volunteerism. In the late 1990s, she earned the affectionate title of the “PTA lady” at Mandarin High School, where she proudly led the annual Coffee House, creating a welcoming space for student musicians and poets to share their talents. She also served on the board of the Mandarin Sports Association, spending countless hours overseeing the concession stand and supporting local youth athletics.

Susan dedicated her life to her family, friends, and neighbors. She found joy in the simple pleasures: hunting for shark’s teeth at Mickler’s, staying up late to watch scary movies, and taking trips to Tampa and Orlando. Her generosity, humor, and steady presence left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Many will fondly remember Susan for her legendary biannual garage sales, which were less about clearing out belongings and more about bringing people together—part social gathering, part neighborhood reunion, and always full of laughter and unexpected treasures. The family plans to continue this tradition as a remembrance for Susan in the Spring.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held at this time.

The family may share details of a gathering in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations or memorial contributions be made in Susan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity close to her heart.