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Susan Appleby Obituary
Tewksbury
Susan Blynn Appleby, 82, died peacefully on Sunday May 28, 2023 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital surrounded by her family after a courageous 15 year battle with stage 4 lung cancer.
Susan was well known for her vibrant personality, and zest for life. You could find her wearing a stylish hat, playing card games with beloved family and friends, and volunteering in the community. She was ever present and will be deeply missed.
Susan is predeceased by her father and mother, Donald and Rachel Schoonover and great-granddaughter, Maeve Dwyer. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bruce Appleby, and her 2 sons, David Appleby, and Kent (Suzanne) Appleby. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Cobb, Madelyn (Patrick) Dwyer, and Austin (Riley) Appleby. But her pride and joy were her 5 great grandchildren: Clint, Grace, and Brynn Dwyer and Harper and Declan Cobb. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Joan (Andy) Holmstrom and her nephew, Paul Holmstrom. She leaves behind a lifelong childhood friend, Connie (Gordon) Swix of Lansing, MI.
Susan was raised in Lansing, Michigan before attending Elmira College and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. She was a former director of the Lowell Family YMCA Nursery School. She retired as a special education aide at Reading Memorial High School.
Susan was a lover of the outdoors, being active in the Girl Scouts, and working with cadets in Dover, MA. She was an active member of the Tewksbury Garden Club and she found joy in maintaining personal and community gardens. Susan and her husband were experienced travelers with favorite trips including Mississippi and Colorado River Cruises, Alaska, and Hawaii. She wintered in Florida with her son David and took frequent trips to Upstate New York to spend time with her family.
Susan's battle with Lung Cancer led her to become a staunch supporter for Lung Cancer Awareness and completed many Free to Breathe Walks with "Sue's Dudes." Please join us in joyful celebration of Susan's life on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 10am at the Tewksbury Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in Susan's memory.
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Memories and Condolences
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Kevin O'Reilly
September 3, 2023
I knew Sue through National History Day. She volunteered her time with NHD like she did with so many other areas. She was always cheerful and I remember her smile! I wear my "Sue's Dudes" hat with pride when I mow the grass.
Ellen Haley Finn
June 13, 2023
Mrs Appleby had my kids at the ymca pre school, she was a fantastic caring teacher, beautiful person.
Jan & Steve Q
June 7, 2023
We will always remember our times together, especially at Bear Hill on New Year's Eve. She will be missed by all of us.
Lorraine Salter
June 6, 2023
Sue's welcoming and warm smile will always be remembered. We shared the strong desire to battle C, and she certainly was an upbeat and positive warrior!! I'll always remember her support and spirit at the RMHS Boys' Tennis Team matches, as her husband , Bruce, coached for decades. She was kind, direct, upbeat, smart, and very dedicated to her interests , never missing the opportunity to inquire about others' families. The Salters ALL feel fortunate to have known Sue, and wish Bruce and her family peace, and comfort in this difficult time.
Luann Okeefe
June 5, 2023
Sue was a strong determined person who made the most of life and brought joy to everyone she met. She will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family.
The Tewksbury Garden Club
Marianne Keefe
June 4, 2023
So sad to hear of Susan´s passing I have been her hairdresser for a while and she was always so positive considering what she was going through! I will miss her so and wish deepest sympathy to her husband Bruce and family.
Linda Nascimento
June 4, 2023
Both of our sons were students of Miss Appleby at YMCA in the early 80s. One of the nicest teachers/directors I ever had the pleasure to deal with. Very open minded to each individuals needs. What a positive experience to us as parents bringing young children to their first exposure to school. Our deepest condolences, Nascimento family.
Philip & Lynne Scannell
June 4, 2023
Such a wonderful soul an a great joy to be around .. she sure kept us all in line RIP "Mrs Appleby "
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