Susan Beatty

Sue Beatty, a lifelong protector and rescuer of animals, died peacefully, surrounded by her closest family on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. She was diagnosed with cancer in early July and fought it bravely to the end. She was 70 years old. Sue loved animals from the time she was a small child and made a home for dozens over the years. She was filled with love for all living things and was a selfless mother, wife, sister, and daughter. She made friends easily and her friends had no better confidant or generous ally. Sue had a subtle and subversive sense of humor that brought joy to those close to her. She had little use for pretentiousness and would skewer it with wit and grace. Sue was a talented musician, playing the flute throughout her life. She studied flute after college and played semi-professionally with a guitarist, at weddings and on Sunday mornings at the Crate Café in Annapolis. Susan Nagler was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Hyattsville, MD. She graduated from Northwestern High School and the University of Maryland at College Park and began her career at the US House of Representatives, as an Applications Analyst for House Information Systems. It was there she met her future husband, Charlie, and they were married in 1989. They quickly had two children, Paul and Julia. Sue stayed home with the children and managed a boisterous household full of love, life, and animals of all kinds. The family moved to Annapolis in 1994. When her children entered school, Sue began volunteering at the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Her passion for saving animals led her to employment there and over a few years she rose to be Executive Director. Under her leadership, the SPCA made dramatic improvements in care and professionalism, which continue to define the organization today. After retirement, Sue missed helping animals and founded the Maryland Animal Adoption Center, an innovative rescue organization for dogs and cats that uses transport networks for disadvantaged animal shelters paired with local foster caregivers. In a few years, MAAC placed nearly a hundred animals in loving homes. Sue is survived by her husband Charlie, her son Paul (Annie) of Edgewater, MD, and her sisters Betty Smith (Greg) of Winfield, IL, and Janet Nagler (John Hanifin) of Edgewater, MD. She was predeceased by her daughter Julia, and her parents, Ken and Nan Nagler. A celebration of Sue's life will be held at 23 Wallace Manor Rd. at 2 pm on Saturday, December 2. There will be a supervised play area for those who wish to bring dogs that Sue helped adopt. Dress is casual and cheerful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MAAC at mdadopt.org.