Susan W. "Sue" Perry

Susan Williams Perry ("Sue") passed away peacefully at home in Wayland, Massachusetts, on February 12, 2026, surrounded by her family-only weeks after the passing of her husband, Jay.

Born on November 16, 1943, in Western Springs, Illinois, Sue was the daughter of Miriam Williams and W. Owen Williams. She graduated from Illinois College in 1965 and pursued careers in elementary education and homemaking, always showing a great understanding for children throughout her life.

Sue met Jay in Boston in 1970 and while he was the Captain, she was unquestionably the First Mate-steady, capable and organized. They built a life anchored in mutual respect, laughter and shared adventure. Sue embraced many of Jay's pursuits, especially sailing. She enjoyed being aboard their boat, Periwinkle, navigating the Chesapeake Bay at his side with confidence, competence, and joy. Together theywould enjoy countless adventures by land and by sea during their years together.

In retirement, Sue was an active member of The Women's Board of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, played golf, created

beautiful needlepoint pieces, and spent countless hours in the garden alongside Jay. She was also a proud member of the Hardy Garden Club and remained a lifelong bridge player, even in her final years in Wayland. What she treasured about all these activities were the relationships she developed with those alongside her.

One of Sue's most cherished roles was becoming a mother to John and Meagan and later becoming "Grammy" to her

beloved granddaughter, Emma – roles in which she was strong, supportive, and a constant source of unconditional love. In 2020, Sue and Jay moved to Wayland, Massachusetts to be closer to Meagan, Dave and Emma. There, she poured herself into family life – devoted to Meagan and Emma, steadfast in her care for Jay and still enjoying time in her garden, playing bridge, baking sweet treats and lunching with friends.

Sue is survived by her loving children, John Wilkinson Perry (San Diego, CA) and Meagan Perry Occhialini; her son in law, David Scott Occhialini; her granddaughter, Emma Perry Occhialini (Wellesley, MA); and extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Captain John Wilkinson Perry III, and her brother, Robert Owen Williams.

Memorial services will be privately held this spring in Vero Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Women's Board of The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Together, Sue and Jay navigated more than fifty-four years of marriage with loyalty, adventure, humor, and love. In life, they were rarely apart. In death, they follow one another still.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Perry III to

support Dr. Matt Davids' lymphoma research at: www.dana-farber.org/gift