Susan Blynn Appleby

February 14, 1941 - May 28, 2023

TEWKSBURY - Susan Blynn Appleby, 82, died peacefully on Sunday May 28, 2023 at Newtonwellesley Hospital surrounded by her family after a courageous 15 year battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Susan was well known for her vibrant personality, and zest for life. You could find her wearing a stylish hat, playing card games with beloved family and friends, and volunteering in the community. She was ever present and will be deeply missed.

Susan is predeceased by her father and mother, Donald and Rachel Schoonover and greatgranddaughter, Maeve Dwyer. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bruce Appleby, and her 2 sons, David Appleby, and Kent (Suzanne) Appleby. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Cobb, Madelyn (Patrick) Dwyer, and Austin (Riley) Appleby. But her pride and joy were her 5 great grandchildren: Clint, Grace, and Brynn Dwyer and Harper and Declan Cobb. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Joan (Andy) Holmstrom and her nephew, Paul Holmstrom. She leaves behind a lifelong childhood friend, Connie (Gordon) Swix of Lansing, MI.

Susan was raised in Lansing, Michigan before attending Elmira College and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. She was a former director of the Lowell Family YMCA Nursery School. She retired as a special education aide at Reading Memorial High School.

Susan was a lover of the outdoors, being active in the Girl Scouts, and working with cadets in Dover, MA. She was an active member of the Tewksbury Garden Club and she found joy in maintaining personal and community gardens. Susan and her husband were experienced travelers with favorite trips including Mississippi and Colorado River Cruises, Alaska, and Hawaii. She wintered in Florida with her son David and took frequent trips to Upstate New York to spend time with her family.

Susan’s battle with Lung Cancer led her to become a staunch supporter for Lung Cancer Awareness and completed many Free to Breathe Walks with “Sue’s Dudes.” Please join us in joyful celebration of Susan’s life on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 10am at the Tewksbury Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in Susan’s memory.