Susan Byer

Susan M. Byer, age 84, passed away on June 6, at her residence at Bickford of Bexley, in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on October 23, 1940, to the late Allan and Rose Meyer. She was a lifelong resident of Columbus, graduating from Bexley High School in 1958, and earning a BS in elementary education from Ohio State University in 1962. She later earned a master's degree in education, this time in guidance and counseling, also from Ohio State.
Susan began her long career educating young people in 1962 at Etna Road Elementary in Whitehall, where she taught first grade, introducing 6- and 7-year-olds to classical musical and paintings by the great masters as part of her teaching method. She took time away from teaching after the birth of her two children, then returned to education years later, this time as a guidance counselor. She was the elementary and junior high counselor for Canal Winchester Schools, and then the middle school counselor for Dublin city schools; she then joined the Worthington school district, first as a middle school guidance counselor at Worthington Perry Middle School and then as a high school guidance counselor at Worthington Kilbourne High School, where she had a long tenure, completing what would be a 30-year career in education.
Susan was a strong, dedicated advocate for children-compassionate and funny and empathetic, treating them not simply as kids but as young people with complex emotions, intelligence, and often great and surprising insights. She helped many kids and their parents navigate the sometimes harrowing world of college admissions. And she helped teenagers navigate the often harrowing world of being a teenager. She had in her home boxes of thank-you notes and cards from the many families whom she supported, advised, or just listened to over the years. Former students often came back to visit her, to let her know how they were doing and what they were up to, and to thank her for helping them get there.
In addition to her work, Susan loved to read, literary fiction especially, and was a regular fixture at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and at author readings at Thurber House. She was also keenly interested in politics and current events, a devoted NPR listener and PBS viewer who enjoyed engaging in debate. She had a great, sometimes wicked sense of humor, and a loud laugh, yet is remembered by everyone for her effortless elegance.
She is survived by her brother, Jack Meyer (Barbara); son, Andrew Byer (Tina); daughter, Heather Byer (Mathew Samuel); and grandchildren, Rachel (Byer) Taitel, Alexander Byer, and Willa Samuel.
Funeral Services will be held at 11a.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Epstein Memorial Chapel, 3232 East Main St., Columbus. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. (Zoom Link below)
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, Thurber House or Zusman Community Hospice. (Donation links below)