Susanne M. (Miller) Ferris

Susanne Miller Ferris of Geneva, IL, Glen Allen, VA and Garden City, NY died on June 1, 2024, with her son Bob at her side.  Susanne was born on July 17, 1940, to Edward and Juanita Miller of Kilbuck, OH.  Susanne thrived in her small hometown with her older brother Ted. 

Susanne attended The Ohio State University, where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Ferris at the Newman Club.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and went on to earn her Master of Education from the University of Pittsburg. Susanne was also a certified speech pathologist.

Susanne and Bob were married on June 8, 1963, in Killbuck, OH. 

Susanne’s teaching career started at St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in New York City.  After a couple of years in New York City she and Bob moved to Miami, FL for Bob’s job with the airlines.  After 4 years, they returned to New York, to Garden City on Long Island. This is where Susanne continued her role as mom to Mary-Theresa and Bobby. Soon after moving to GC Anne arrived. 

Susanne was a substitute teacher, but once the kids were older, she taught Pre-K full time at St. Anne’s Catholic School.  These were her favorite 17 years of teaching.  She appreciated the supportive and loving families of her students. And most of all cherished the life-long friendships she formed with her colleagues.

Susanne and Bob had 38 beautiful years together until Bob’s sudden death on September 11, 2001, in the World Trade Center attacks.  Susanne missed Bob every day until her death but relied on her unwavering faith and her family to keep going. 

Susanne moved to Glen Allen, VA and joined St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and then moved to Geneva, IL in 2021, joining St. Peter Catholic Church.  Both moves brought her closer to family.  She did not realize each move was truly a gift to her children!

Susanne adored her eight grandchildren and could be found sitting on the sidelines at every sporting event, volunteering in classrooms and attending grandparent days, school concerts, award ceremonies and graduations.

In earlier years Susanne was regularly active in her community – Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Republican Committee member, chair of the annual parish party, fundraising for the local hospital and so much more.  Later years brought welcome committees, out-reach committees and library duty.  

Susanne was an avid bridge and Bunko player.  Rummikub was a favorite with her grandchildren.  She was always reading a book and had one in queue.  Her love of crocheting and needlepoint passed down to her granddaughters. 

Susanne enjoyed time with her friends over the years– at the GC Pool, trips to the Biltmore, fall foliage tours, trips to Florida, England and Greece with her NY gal pals and lunches and dinners with so many special friends, including the Sassy Seven in Geneva.  Wii-Bowling and daily exercise class kept her busy. She treasured and was blessed by each and every friendship.

Susanne’s faith was always central to her life.  She loved being active in all of her parishes.  Her favorite activities included being a Eucharistic Minister, ministering to nursing home residents, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, the Appalachian Twinning Ministry, Bereavement Committee, as well as attending and helping with retreats.

Most importantly, Susanne was truly an instrument of God. She brought a sense of peace and comfort to everyone she met. She always had a kind word to offer and stepped in to help whenever she could.  Susanne never complained and prayed for those she knew were in need.  She lived her faith, loved her children and grandchildren and cherished her friends.  She was special.  She is loved. She will be missed!

Susanne is survived by her children, Dr. Mary-Theresa Ferris Phillips (Robert) of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Robert E. Ferris (Meghan) of Potomac, MD and Anne Ferris Smith (Derran) of Campton Hills, IL; grandchildren Alexandra Phillips, Miller Phillips, Kaitlin Smith, Maggie Smith, Bobby Ferris, Brody Smith, Genny Ferris and Catherine Ferris.

She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Edward Miller (Kathy), brother-in-law Edward Ferris (Kay), sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Geyer (Richard) and Bernadette Mason (Richard) and many wonderful nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Her dear cousin, Tony Miller (Lynn) also survives her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Ferris, her parents, Edward J. and Juanita Miller and her brothers-in-law, Richard L. Ferris and Charles Ferris and sister-in-law, L. Joyce Ferris. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

The St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, 8980 SW 56th Street, Miami, FL 33165 US

https://donate.stlukehaiti.org/give/352850/#!/donation/checkout

OR

The St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church - Appalachian Twinning Ministry

4491 Springfield Road | Glen Allen, VA | 23060

https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-2167?tab=home

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