Susan Elizabeth Elam

Susan Elizabeth Elam, 80, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 19th of 2026.
Susan was born in New York, NY on February 8th, 1945 to Phillip John Zeltner and Ruth Browning Zeltner.
Susan attended the University of Bridgeport, where she first completed her Associate Degree Nursing Program, and later graduated with her BSN in 1983. She worked as a Certified Emergency Registered Nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital, Milford Hospital, and later at Lake Placid Medical Center Emergency Room in FL. Early in her nursing career, she developed a close-knit group of friends, and maintained those relationships until the end.
In addition to raising a family, working full time, and continuing her education, Susan overcame many difficult challenges during her life. In 1992, Susan and her husband Charles moved to Lake Placid, FL. She spent her final years at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, FL.
Susan enjoyed traveling and creating lasting memories throughout Europe, Central America, Hawaii, and mainland United States. She enjoyed horticulture and wildlife, always eager to expand her knowledge.
While living within the Shell Point Community, Susan developed friendships with a very special group of women, who loved and supported her throughout her illness. She especially enjoyed her strolls with friends around Shell Point, where she was able to view the wildlife the beautiful landscape. Susan enjoyed card games and social events with her friends, who often said she had a quick wit and sense of humor that brought them to tears with laughter. Her friends often praised Susan for being a positive and loving person, regardless of her struggles. She was known to be a dedicated volunteer, great listener, friend, and one to offer support to others. The Shellpoint Staff developed special relationships with Susan.
Susan was predeceased by her brother Lorin Zeltner in 2007. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Ann Elam and her Son Brian Paul Elam (Melissa), her grandchildren Kyle Ryan and Brody Michael, her sister-in-law Rosemarie, and niece Caralyn. Susan is also survived by multiple cousins in Florida.
Susan was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal church on Sanibel. Services will be held at St. Michaels of All Angels on April 18, 2026 at 1pm.