Susanna Northway

Northway, Susanna Morton Royal Oak Susanna Morton Northway, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away August 29, 2025 at the age of 100. She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 54 years, Richard J Northway. Sue was born on November 28, 1924, in Silver Spring, Maryland to Henry S. and Elizabeth D. Morton. She was the youngest and last survivor of eight siblings, also including: Margaret (Bill) Herbert, Elizabeth (George) Bold, Nellie Rawlings, Helen (Eddie) Fitzgerald, William Morton, Henry (Jane) Morton, and John (Phyllis) Morton. Sue's life was both long and eventful. As a young girl she was chosen from among all Girl Scouts in the Washington, D.C. area to present a bouquet of flowers to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who had joined President Franklin Roosevelt to light the National Christmas tree. Sue's softly spoken words were heard by listeners across America who tuned into the radio broadcast of the event. While serving as a WWII volunteer supporting the care of wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center she accompanied one of the war heroes to a dance at the estate of prominent Washington socialite Evelyn Walsh McLean. There Sue was thrilled to have the opportunity to wear the famous 45 carat Hope Diamond, owned by Mrs. McLean at the time. Sue met her future husband, Army 1st Lieutenant Dick Northway, at Walter Reed while he was stationed there during the war. They were married in 1947. When Dick was recalled to Army service during the Korean conflict and assigned to duty in Germany, Sue sailed across the Atlantic with their two small children to join him in Frankfurt. They lived in Europe for more than a year, taking advantage of Dick's military leaves to travel across the continent. Throughout her life, family came first. Sue was completely devoted to her career as a wife and mother, managing a busy household and supporting Dick's demanding career at Ford. She also found time to volunteer as a Sunday school teacher, den mother, classroom parent, and field trip chaperone. First and foremost, she encouraged her children at every stage, helping them choose and pursue rewarding paths in life. Despite the heartbreaking loss of Dick to cancer in 2002, she remained positive, active and engaged. Sue took great pride in the family home where she lived for more than 60 years. Gardening and nourishing the birds in her yard were life-long passions. She was a loyal fan of the Michigan Wolverines, always closing game day phone calls with an emphatic,"Go Blue!" Fiercely self-sufficient, Sue's command in her 90's of the iPad, Gmail, FaceTime, Uber, Instacart and Amazon was a marvel to her children and grandchildren. Yet advances in technology never replaced her traditional hospitality. Family members were always warmly welcomed at Sue's "Inn" on North Pleasant Street for delicious meals and a comfortable bed. Sue is survived by her children, Richard (Laurie) Northway, Robert (Janet) Northway, William Northway, Susan (Marvin) Olasky, and Nancy Northway, all of whose lives and accomplishments were a source of enormous pride and satisfaction. Also surviving Sue are 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished dearly. At Sue's request, a private, graveside ceremony is being held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity is suggested.

Susanna Northway

November 28, 1924 - August 29, 2025