Susan D. O'Brien

Susan Dunford O’Brien of Penllyn, PA, passed away on August 19, 2023 at the age of 80. Susan was born at home in Taplow, England, to Royston and Hilda Dunford on March 20, 1943.

She and her family emigrated to the United States in 1947 and settled in Rye, New York. After graduating from Rye High School, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Limestone College in 1965. Soon after, Susan began her teaching career in Middletown, CT, where she was later elected President of the Middletown chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

She earned her Master’s degree from Central Connecticut State College in 1974 and married Ronald J. O’Brien on April 17, 1976, in Southbury, CT. After moving from Connecticut to Penllyn in 1978, she continued her teaching career at St. Athanasius School in Philadelphia, where she taught for 39 years until her retirement in June, 2023.

Susan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ronald, and her brother, Christopher J. Dunford. She is preceded in death by her brother, Anthony S. Dunford.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 9:30 AM at St. Athanasius Church, 2050 E. Walnut Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19138, followed by tributes at 10:30 AM and the funeral service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to St. Athanasius School, 7105 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia, PA 19138 or Corolla Wild Horse Fund, 1130 E. Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927.

Arrangements are by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home.