SUSAN RASPBERRY

SUSAN SWAN RASBERRY Beloved Children's Illustrator, Wife, Sister and Stepmother 9/13/1944 - 7/21/2025 Susan Elizabeth Swan Rasberry, known professionally as Susan Swan, passed away on July 21, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. She was 80 years old. A gifted and prolific children's book illustrator, Susan was celebrated for her distinctive hand-painted and digital cut-paper collage technique, which brought warmth, texture, and joy to the pages of over 50 picture books. Her work included school readers, nonfiction titles, and beloved seasonal series such as It's Spring!, It's Fall!, It's Winter!, and It's Summer! by Linda Glaser. She also collaborated with authors including Donna Bateman (Out on the Prairie), Elizabeth Rusch (Volcano Rising), Felicia Sanzari Chernesky (Pick a Circle, Gather Squares, Sun Above and Blooms Below, Cheers for a Dozen Ears), and Carrie A. Pearson (Stretch to the Sun). Born on September 13, 1944, in Coral Gables, Florida, Susan was the daughter of Arnold Herbert and Regis Elizabeth deGlanville Swan. She earned both a BA and MFA with honors from Florida State University, where she began honing her craft in illustration and design. After graduation, Susan initially planned to move to New York City, the hub of commercial illustration. However, a stop in Westport, Connecticut, to stay with her uncle changed her course. Welcomed by a vibrant community of illustrators and graphic firms, she decided to make Westport her home before eventually settling in Texas. In 1993, Susan received an assignment from Harcourt Brace in Fort Worth, Texas, where she met book designer Terry R. Rasberry. The two married on September 3, 1995, in Arlington, Texas, and shared nearly 30 years of marriage and creative partnership. Together, they made their home and studio in Arlington and Ovilla, Texas. In addition to her illustration work, Susan was a talented jewelry maker and had a passion for crafting paper beads. She was a member of the Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators, the Artist Guild, and picturebookartists.org. Her artistry extended beyond books she had a remarkable gift for creating beauty in all aspects of life, from floral arrangements to meals and handmade jewelry. Susan is survived by her husband, Terry R. Rasberry; brother and sister-in-law Richard H and Shirley Swan; niece Catherine Swan Feazell; stepchildren Rebecca A Rasberry Cawley, Rhonda K Rasberry Devan, Ronald R. Rasberry, and Richard B. Rasberry. Susan's legacy lives on through the stories she helped bring to life and the joy she shared with readers of all ages, along with her generous heart, her joyful spirit, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her.