Susan A. Edward

On December 1, 2024, our beloved family member, Susan A. Edward, passed away quietly, in the presence of her family and friends.

Susan was born in Newport in 1946, to Robert and Catherine (Cesario) Edward, and grew up in Middletown alongside her older sister, Jane. Susan graduated from St. Catherine's Academy and Salve Regina College. After graduation from Salve, she exemplified her independent spirit and volunteered for the Peace Corps, teaching English in Tunisia. Returning to the United States, she completed her Master's degree in English at the University of Rhode Island, then taught in various schools in upstate New York and Maine before she met her husband of 47 years, John Corbett. Together, they moved back to Rhode Island, and started a photography business and a family.

Over three decades, Susan was the manager and organizational mastermind of John W. Corbett Photography. Susan and John built a business with a sterling reputation: John was the official photographer for the Preservation Society of Newport County, and they provided photographic services for weddings, institutions, universities, and commercial businesses. Susan's calm demeanor and attention to detail ensured every assignment was planned for success.

Brilliantly imaginative yet unassuming, Susan was devoted to supporting the people she loved. Her children-Sara, Amelia and John-absolutely adored her. She helped them with their homework every night; joined them for baseball games and movies; sewed their Halloween costumes; and encouraged all their ambitions and hobbies. Susan spent as much time as possible with her children, enjoying moments that were special to each; including cooking with Amelia, rock concerts with John, and art museums with Sara. The family delighted in trips to Rockport, the Big Sur, and the southwest, where Susan and the kids would climb rocks and explore, while John took photos of the landscapes.

Susan was treasured for her generosity, her infatuation with Italy and France, her passion for the Celtics, and her joy in gardening and cooking. Her friends were the fortunate recipients of beautiful flowers from her yard and specialties from her kitchen, particularly clam chowder and chocolate Christmas toffee. She took a lively interest in anyone she met; she loved chatting with friends, and reading biographies about the artists, writers and historical figures she admired. She cherished animals, especially Thundercloud, Amelia's German shepherd, who was always at Susan's side with unflappable loyalty. Susan's stubborn streak could make many a moment challenging, but it illustrated to her children the need for compassion, compromise and common sense.

Susan's kind spirit was most appreciated by her sister, Jane Steele, with whom she shared laughter, tears, daily meals and lengthy conversations.

Susan, her parents, and sister were founding members of St. Lucy Church, where she enjoyed the friendship of many parishioners, and contentment and peace as she participated in services for well over 50 years.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Susan's life and love of God, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, at St. Lucy Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI. A gathering to honor Susan will be held at a later date.

Susan is predeceased by her children, Amelia and John. She is survived by her husband John, her daughter Sara, her sister Jane, and many adored cousins. The memory of Susan is our fortunate gift. Thinking of her encourages us to mirror her strength and sweetness, and to smile when greeting others. She would love for you to do the same.