Susan Mary McEntire

Susan Mary McEntire (nee Lucarelli), age 96, of Perry Hall, MD passed away on December 23, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Carl Wayne McEntire; devoted mother of Sandra Jean Paluzzi, Patricia Ann Paluzzi and her wife Susan Laugen, Michael Eugene Paluzzi, and Eugene Francis Paluzzi and his wife Kelly; loving grandmother of Nathan Paluzzi and his wife Brooke, Raymond Schamp and his wife Christine, Peter Schamp and his wife Leah, Justin Cobb, Lorenzo Paluzzi and his fiancé Tara McGinty, Christian Paluzzi, and Alexander Paluzzi and his fiancé Katie Tyson; cherished great-grandmother of Cora Paluzzi, Simon Schamp, Petra Schamp, Julian Schamp, Stella Schamp, Lotus Pryor Partlow, Ray Cobb, Dylan Cobb, and Norah Cobb.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 10 Willow Ave, Baltimore, MD 21206, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 A.M., with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:30 A.M. Entombment will follow at Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Those desiring may make a memorial donation in Susan's name to the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Food Bank at 10 Willow Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206.

Eulogy read by her family:

Nothing was as important to Susan McEntire as her family. Those of us blessed to call her mom want to share what we most loved about her

“Mom refused to be bound by society’s rules for women in the 1960s. She made hard, life-changing decisions that defied the times. Though she paid a high price, in the end, she gained herself and found happiness. Her example blazed the way for me to live life on my terms.

Even more ingrained in me is her love of food. Mealtimes were a social event, binding family together. Mom passed her love of cooking onto all of us, including her grandchildren. Standing by her side, learning her favorite recipes was a rite of passage.

While I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, I often refer to one of my most prized possessions - a compilation of her recipes. Interestingly, all our spouses are excellent cooks, and I often joke it’s a requirement.

After cooking, we all gathered around the kitchen table at 5:00 PM. NO EXCEPTIONS – we were there. When we finished eating, we would linger at the table, drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, and talking, talking, talking. Family meals were the highlight of my day from the time I was a small child until a week before she died. I will miss them.” Sandy Paluzzi

“One of Mom’s greatest gifts was her acceptance of people, regardless of hue, gender, or orientation. No matter who any of us brought home, she treated them with respect. Our childhood home, and every place she lived, was a safe haven for friends, no questions asked. She grew up poor and had many habits that reflected that, but she was always generous in spirit—and with food—providing comfort to many. As far as I am concerned, this was her best trait and the one I try to emulate.” Pat Paluzzi

“Mom’s honesty, strength, directness, commitment, candor, energy, and values have all impacted my sons and me in a lasting and positive way. She had a strong commitment to family and expressing her love for them. Her family went beyond blood to include the family she chose, and the family that chose her, and all did. She was an incredibly open and warm person, inviting everyone into our childhood home after mass on Sunday to eat polenta, play pinochle, and listen to the Rat Pack.

She has always been there to help: to sit with my kids, take in my pets, or to listen to my troubles in an empathetic and sympathetic way. Mom will always be the epitome of the ultimate warrior - in my heart and in my life.” Michael Paluzzi

“She had an incredible work ethic. As a single mom, she worked three jobs at one time. On weekdays, she would work the breakfast shift at a diner, then walk across the street to her full-time bookkeeping job. On weekends she would hostess dinner at the town’s most exclusive restaurant.

She did what she had to do to support her family. Her strong work ethic has stuck with me all my life.” Gene Paluzzi

While she claimed she loved her children best, we have our doubts. She was never happier than when babysitting (spoiling) her grandchildren. At times, they ran right over her, but she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. No matter what, she always kept her sense of humor.

Nonna and Poppa used to take Nathan, their first grand, to the ocean. They bought a cot so he could sleep right next to their bed. Instead, Nathan decided he wanted to sleep with Poppa, so Nonna spent the night on the cot.

She didn’t fare much better when she stayed with Lorenzo and Chris. They wanted Macaroni and Cheese, so Nonna cooked elbow macaroni, grated cheese, made a white sauce, poured it all together, sprinkled it with breadcrumbs, and put it in the oven. When she served it, they informed her they didn’t like that kind of mac and cheese - they liked the kind in the box. She took out the box and cooked the dinner they wanted.

By the time Alex came along, Nonna had the job down. With his parents’ approval, she made his favorite chocolate chip pancakes and played games with him. Without his parents’ approval, she took him outside so he could play in the dirt or mud. He would once again be sparkling clean when his parents returned home.

Nonna loved all her grandchildren, but the rest came into her life too old to need a babysitter. Still, I bet each of them, along with everyone blessed to be a part of her life, has a story that shows her place in their hearts.