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Susan Mathews Obituary
Born Oct. 7, 1958, in Portland, Maine, she was the daughter of June Marquis Fournier and the late Norman Fournier of Maine. She earned a bachelor's degree from St. Anselm College and master's and doctoral degrees in Biblical studies from Catholic University of America. She was a professor of theology at the University of Scranton. She began her career at the university in 1988 and earned tenure in 1993. She became a full professor in 2000. In 1991, she was awarded the University of Scranton Alpha Sigma Nu Award for Teaching, the first woman to receive the award. In 1996, she became the first director of the Catholic studies program, a program she founded. She was a regular consultant to the Diocese of Scranton and was also the RCIA director at St. Peter's Cathedral for many years. She was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Church, Tunkhannock. She and her husband, Ed, were members of the Capuchin 3rd Order. She enjoyed running, gardening, baking and reading and especially loved her two German shepherds, Edessa and Siena.
Also surviving are five siblings, Richard Fournier and wife, Peg; Robin Fournier; Lisa Weeks; Michelle Fournier and husband, Larry Dyhrberg, and their daughters, Caroline and Annika; Olia Cobb and husband, Brad Bartlett, and their daughter, Adrianna; and numerous friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Friends may call Saturday, 8 until time of Mass at the cathedral. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, 910 17th St., NW, Suite 1190, Washington, DC 20006 or www.ovari ancancer.org. Arrangements by the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Mathews
Bill Coleman
July 13, 2018
Ed, I just learned of Susan's passing. Seven years too late. So sorry for your loss.
Tiffany Rogers
February 23, 2011
Dr. Mathews was truly an inspiration. She was so passionate about the material she taught, and cared deeply about her students. My condolences to her family. She will be missed dearly.
Carl Caceres
February 12, 2011
Dr. Mathews was such a wonderful person, a nice lady, a brilliant theologian, a renowned professor and a model of faithfulness. I'll always remember her Apocalypse/Revelation to John grad course and the Catholic Studies dinners and lectures I attended at Scranton. She will be greatly missed by our university community, especially the theology department.
Michael Crowley
February 9, 2011
My condolences to Susan's family, please know that you are all in our thoughts in prayers up here in Maine. On behalf of Dick's colleagues at EMHS and affiliate Healthcare Charities, our hearts hurt for your loss.
Alberta Gozikowski
February 8, 2011
I just heard of Sue's passing.I am in total shock.She was a friend,a smile when we both needed to talk and support to me so many times.I feel so bad I did not know if this or would have been to her services.I did not know her family but to me she was such a rare and beautiful person.Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Paul Krebs
February 8, 2011
Susan was a rare and amazing person, as brilliant as she was kind and generous. I was so saddened to learn of her passing. She was an inspiration both in and outside the classroom. Even in the many years since graduating I continue to deeply appreciate her beautiful spirit and mentorship. She does indeed live on in the lives of those who knew her.
Kathleen Nash
February 6, 2011
Ed: I remember Susan's wit and graciousness from my Catholic U. days and, then CBA meetings. In those days she was an unflinching witness to life in Christ. My prayers,
Patsy McDonald
February 6, 2011
It is many years since I last saw Susan but I remember her vividly as a fine scholar and a good and faithful Catholic woman.
Susanna Short
February 5, 2011
Susan was a mother to many. She was a tremendous support and model of faith to me during the early years of my marriage. My husband and I were blessed to buy hers and Ed's home on Quincy, and she had filled it to the brim with love. The gourmet kitchen was her handiwork. As a professor, Susan taught by example as well as from true, cultivated scholarship. Ed, she loved you deeply, and your marriage was a reflection of Christ's love for the Church. Mike and I are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. Our world was changed for the better because Susan was part of it. She lives on in so many students, friends, and faith-filled people. Blessings.
Barbara Quinn
February 5, 2011
Dear Ed,
I was so saddened to learn of Susan's death...for quite a long time I was secretary to the Dean of CAS and came to know her as a gentle, good woman who was an inspiration to her students, passionate about her faith, and a joy to know. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Pellino
February 5, 2011
Sue was a true friend, bright, passionate, dedicated, an inspiration.
Heaven's got a new resident, she's smart, brave, fun, funny, and she'll give the saints themselves a run for their money in the theology department.
With much love and prayers from all her St. A's friends.
February 4, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss Sue was a very nice person and a grateful patient,I was just thinking about her the other day.May she rest in peace.John Sirotnak III MD
February 4, 2011
Dear Ed,
I'm so sorry to learn of Susan's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick Taylor
Dallas
Melissa Mahler
February 4, 2011
Ed, this is such a shock. I have wonderful memories of Susan as a mentor, friend and cook. Susan and you took such good care of me during my time at the University in the MA Theology program.
-Melissa (Wolfe) Mahler, Williamsport PA
Neil Sloan
February 4, 2011
I was a student of Susan's Gospel of John course and a special course she co-taught on Christian Art and the writings of the Church Fathers. She was a great inspiration both as an academic and a person of faith. She is in our prayers.
Steven Pustay
February 4, 2011
Ed, I'm so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. I recall praying Vespers with the both of you on Sunday evenings during my years at Scranton and the Tolkein readings we did on Friday nights with fellow students. Those were probably my fondest memories of my time at 'da U'. She (and you) will be in my prayers.
Paul Seaton
February 4, 2011
Requiescat in pace. I'll have a Mass offered for her. She was a true daughter of Maine and the Church.
Christopher McMahon
February 4, 2011
Susan was such a gift to her students and to the Church. I cannot thank God enough for all she did for me over the years.
Edward Bode
February 4, 2011
Prayers and sympathy from a member of the Catholic Biblical Society.
Tim Gallen
February 4, 2011
Ed, I am sorry for your loss and offer up my prayers for you and Susan. I always enjoyed Susan's classes at UofS, and fondly remember our Tolkien nights. We will miss our Lady Galadriel.
Sr. Mary Kate Birge, SSJ
February 4, 2011
I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Susan only through the CBA, but what I knew of her told me she was a wonderful person.
Kevin Kile
February 4, 2011
Ed, I am truly sorry to read about the death of Susan. Having lost my own wife to cancer two years ago, I know how painful it is and will continue to be. Your wife was perhaps the greatest professor I've ever had and the two of you have had a profound influence on my life. May Our Lady offer you some consolation.
Jen P
February 4, 2011
I am sorry I did not have the chance to meet you. But I know many of my prayers were raised up to Our Lord with your help. I also know that you touched the lives of many (students and friends the same) and will be very missed and remembered.
May you meet Him and may He raise you up.
February 4, 2011
So very sorry for your loss. My son Duane was a very close friend and loved her dearly .I remember he was always invited for dinners and she send so many care packages home.I feel I knew her very well even though we never met My heart is very sad but we know she is with Jesus and safe. What a joy she was. LORITA ARMITAGE
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