Susan Elizabeth Shea Ringwald

Susan Elizabeth Shea Ringwald, born on March 26, 1962, in Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2025 at the age of 63. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose lighthearted, strength, and faithful spirit touched the lives of many who knew her.

Susan was the mother of Madeline Mary Lockeby and mother-in-law to Jack Thomas Lockeby. She was the cherished daughter of Barbara Flint Shea and the late Charles Edward Shea, and the sister of Mark Steven Shea and Flint Edward Shea. Susan was the aunt to Forrest Edward Shea and his wife Stephanie Shea and their daughter Rosalie Kay Shea, Garrison Reid Shea and his wife Madeline Ragusa Shea, and McKinsey Laine Shea.

Susan was a graduate of Broadmoor High School class of 1980 where she cheered and excelled academically. Susan then went on to receive her bachelor's in journalism from Louisiana State University.

Over the years, Susan built a vibrant career in the tour and travel industry. Her work included positions with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, Nottoway Plantation, and the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. She had a gift for hospitality and made guests feel truly seen and cared for wherever she went.

Outside of work, Susan found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cooking for loved ones, enjoying music, spending time by the pool, and soaking in the beauty of the beach. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by friends and family, sharing laughter and a good meal.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she served faithfully in her church community throughout the years including First United Methodist Church in Gonzales, as well as University United Methodist church in Lake Charles. Susan was especially passionate about prison ministry, devoting herself to the Kairos program where she ministered to incarcerated women. She also participated in Cursillo of Louisiana, where she nurtured deep spiritual connections with others across the state.

Though Susan faced personal struggles, she never stopped trying to show up for the people and causes she cared about. Through it all, her life was full of light for so many years—marked by generosity, strength, and a genuine desire to help others find hope and healing.

A memorial service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Kairos Prison Ministry International in Susan’s memory.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.