Susan Ann Hurley

Susan Ann Hurley was born to James and Sylvia Hurley on April 8, 1963. She grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts, and loved her New England roots. As the story goes, she once missed the school bus in elementary school - and from that day forward, she never stopped running. Her passion for fitness was matched only by her devotion to family and her love of cheerleading.
She became a Patriots cheerleader in her 20s. Around that time, she met Boston Marathon Race Director David McGillivray. They married in the late 1980s and had two sons, Ryan and Max. She spoiled her boys with endless love and support - cheering them on at every game and performance. "Mulch" and "Peanuts" were her pride and joy.
Though Susan and Dave divorced in 1996, they maintained a close friendship and working relationship. Both lived in North Andover for more than 30 years, raising their sons there. Susan loved her town - especially walking the common and greeting the neighborhood dogs.
In 2008, Susan began her life's work by establishing CharityTeams, a small business that helps nonprofits raise funds through athletic events. "Fun-raising" was the name of the game as she started with a small cohort of Boston Marathon runners raising money for Lazarus House of Lawrence. Over the years, she helped hundreds of runners across various races achieve their running goals while raising an impressive $42 million for nonprofits.
The cornerstone of her endeavors was her work with the Boston Marathon. For 18 years, she trained runners each marathon season, leading weekly long runs along Heartbreak Hill. Her signature "Superhero 17" training run event featured charity runners dressed as superheroes running 17 miles of the marathon course, while the "Hop 21" was another training run that marked the first days of spring as eager runners geared up for the big day. Her personal touch, kindness, and vibrant personality were often the spark runners needed to make it across the finish line.
As her business flourished, her love life found its stride as well. Barry Foland of Owings Mills, Maryland, entered her life, and together they shared 15 wonderful years. Playing Pa and Honeybee to Barry's grandchildren later in life was one of Susan's greatest joys.
In 2022, Susan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Although it was a roadblock, she found the strength to keep running by drawing peace and inspiration from her deepening relationship with God.
Throughout her life, Susan was honored by numerous charities for her philanthropic work - most recently with a tree dedication at the Gronk Playground in Boston, which she helped build along the Charles River for all children to enjoy.
Family, friends, and runners will remember Susan fondly for her energy, commitment, and wisdom - a mother and cheerleader to all. She made the world a better place and everyone around her better people. Although she passed at 62, her life was full.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, James Hurley. She is survived by her two children, Ryan McGillivray and Max McGillivray; daughters-in-law, Courtney McGillivray and Kristin Curtis; sisters, Lisa (Jesse) First, Mary (Tim) Hurley, and Cheryl (Greg) Cuoco; nieces, Julia and Isabella Cuoco; mother, Sylvia Hurley; lifelong best friend, Dave (Katie) McGillivray, and his children - Elle, Luke, and Chloe McGillivray; fiancé, Barry Foland, and his children - Carly Foland, Morgan Quinn, and Jason Foland.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 10 AM at Waters Church Norwood (668 Walpole St, Norwood, MA 02062), followed by a reception at The West Club at Gillette Stadium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to any of the charitable causes she championed through CharityTeams. In the coming weeks, Susan's family will be establishing a charitable fund in her name. More details on how to give and the purpose of the fund will be shared soon. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com