Susan Riordan
With hearts that are both broken and profoundly grateful, we share that Susan Doster Riordan passed away after a courageous and inspiring battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Sean Riordan and their son, Sean Braxton Riordan along with her sister, Annette and brother-in-law Roger, brother Evan and his partner Cristi. She was preceded in death by her sister, Janet, and her parents Nellie Mae Doster and Harry Braxton Doster. She faced her illness the same way she faced her life - with a deep and abiding faith in God, strength, grace, humor and just enough sparkle to keep the rest of us steady.
She was beautiful inside and out, whip-smart, quick-witted and delightfully whimsical. She had an amazing gift for finding humor in the everyday – often quoting an impressive amount of Seinfeld at just the right moment. Her laugh was contagious, her advice was always wise with a bit of humor sprinkled in, and her loyalty was unwavering.
Susan’s professional career was devoted to leadership roles for the YMCA in both Charlotte and Raleigh. She served as a Branch Executive for the Finley Y and Kerr Y and later moved on to a leadership role in fundraising. She believed deeply in the Y’s mission, especially its programs for disadvantaged youth. Even after retirement, she never truly stepped away – because when Susan believed in something, she stayed committed. She understood that strong communities are built when children are given opportunity, encouragement and someone who believes in them.
Susan embraced joy unapologetically. She loved Seinfeld reruns, Barry White, the flower department at Trader Joe’s, whimsical décor (including a very large blow-up snowman that she refused to take down) the Atlantic ocean and vacations in the Caribbean where the sun met the sea and life slowed down just enough. She lived by the message of Bob Marley’s song, “Three Little Birds” truly believing that “every little thing - gonna be alright.” And somehow, when she said it, you believed it too.
To know Susan was to feel loved, understood and cared for. She showed up. She listened. She remembered. She loved her life. She loved her husband. She loved her son. And she loved her family and friends. She was the mom, the wife, the sister and the friend who stood beside you through every season, celebrating loudly and comforting quietly.
Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her spirit remains in the laughter she sparked, the lives she changed and the love she gave so freely. We will carry her humor, her faith, her courage and her generous heart forward – and when we see beautiful flowers, hear Barry White or feel a warm ocean breeze, we will smile and think of her.
Every little thing, Susan…every little thing.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 12th at New Path Church, 9225 Leesville Road in Raleigh. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 pm with the service following at 2:00pm.
The family kindly requests that donations in Susan's honor be made to the American Cancer Society. Tropical flower bouquets rather than traditional funeral sprays are welcomed. Please feel free to take your arrangements with you when you leave.