Susan Ward

Born in Chester, PA to Jack and Sue Miller on November 9, 1954, Susan came into this world surrounded by love. Three years later, her brother John was born and the family moved to Meyersville, MD. Growing up in this bucolic setting instilled in Susan the values of honesty, decency, and devotion to family.
It was as if The Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday" was lifted from that time and place.
Although she did not pursue a career as Concert Alto Saxophonist upon matriculating from Middletown High School in 1972, music was always an integral part of Susan's life.
Looking East, Susan arrived on the campus of Salisbury State College to major in English and Education. It was here where Susan would find her new home, cherished lifelong friends, and her noble career. Wicomico County Public Schools famously attracts new teachers with their "teach by the beach" pitch, but that wasn't necessary for Susan. Spending any length of time on the beach was where Susan found her serenity, so the decision was easy.
Susan's life's work of educating and inspiring generations of young people began at Wi-Hi in the Fall of '76. She would teach English and Creative Writing, from the same building for 40 years. One of her students, John David Swanson said it best when he reflected, "One of the best teachers I had, seriously wonderful human being who cared about making the world a better place by way of building kids up."
Although she never did it for the accolades, she deservingly won Teacher of The Year for Wicomico County in 2007.
Just as her career was taking off, she met the man she would marry. As she and David started their life together on Buena Vista Avenue, Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" became their song.
On June 22, 1985 Susan and David got married at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and had their reception at Green Hill Yacht and Country Club. As they honeymooned in The Bahamas, Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen" fittingly dominated the airwaves.
In the coming years, her family was complete. Jason came into the world in 1987, and Evan followed in 1990. Susan was the most loving, nurturing, and providing mother those two boys, or anyone, could ask for.
The three of them shared the deepest bond, and some of her life's greatest memories were taking day trips with them to D.C., Cape May, and Williamsburg. When distance separated them later in life, and technology caught up, they shared a group text that kept them in daily contact.
Susan retired from public education just before the pandemic, and thankfully got to travel and spend meaningful time with her friends and family before suffering a stroke in the Spring of 2023. Although her golden years were tragically cut short, she fought through her recovery, never losing her positive, loving spirit. Susan passed away, surrounded by her husband and two sons, on the night of November 5, 2024 just four days shy of her 70th birthday.
She is now at peace after living one of the most fulfilling and proudest lives a human can live. Her legacy and spirit has enriched each person honored to have known her.
A celebration of life service will take place at Holloway Funeral Home on Saturday, November 23 at 2pm. Call from 1-2pm in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to any organizations involved in providing support to those less fortunate, public education, or animal rights.