Mary Elizabeth Ryon ("Sue"), 91, a longtime resident of Severna Park, died peacefully on December 15, 2014 following complications from surgery after a minor fall at home.

Sue was born April 25th, 1923 and grew up in Washington D.C., third child of Norman Eugene Ryon and Mary Dwinell Shipley. Her older brothers were Thomas and David. David died in WWII as part of Operation Tidal Wave. Sue attended Roosevelt High School in D.C. and was active in Girl Guides and WWII home-bound efforts.

Sue graduated from Duke University where she met John E. Norris Jr., a handsome ensign in the Navy. They fell in love and married. Sue is survived by daughter Patricia N. Dunbar of Phoenix, Arizona and her husband Bill, son, John David Norris and his wife Judy, of Ellicott City, and daughter, Marguerite Norris of Severna Park.

Sue and John moved to Severna Park from Glen Burnie in 1959 where they lived in Severna Gardens and then Linstead. Sue obtained her Master's equivalency while teaching 3rd grade for twenty plus years at Folger McKinsey School in Severna Park. Both Sue and John became involved in "show business," first raising money for Severna Park High School with the Falcon Frolics variety shows, then, in Brooks Musical Theatre directed by Neal Love, and Colonial Players. John was usually the star but Sue played supporting roles, grading papers on the set during rehearsals. Sue was active in the Severn Town Club raising money for Maryland Hall of the Creative Arts and Hospice. She was also an active member of the Panhellenic Club of Annapolis raising money for college scholarships for young women. Sue was an original founder of the Severna Park 4th of July Parade and was honored as such with the position of Grand Marshall in 2013. Among her many honors are the Margueritte Mills Volunteer of the Month presented by the Severna Park Voice, and the Severna Park Community Heritage Award presented by the Association for Severna Park Improvement Renewal and Enhancement. Sue was an active member of Severna Park United Methodist Church involved with the Peach Festival for many years.

Sue loved life, friends, family and music. She loved to be part of any fun gathering and was gracious, generous and hospitable. Sue was faithful in keeping in touch with many and with offering her services by giving rides, sharing photos and providing many notes of encouragement and friendship.

She survived husband, John, her long-term companion, Carroll Stevenson, a grandson, James Dunbar, and a great-grandson, Ryon Towns. Her living descendants include four grandchildren (Lauren, Matthew, and Faye), five great-grandchildren (Robert, Connor, Andrew, Silas, and Emerson), step-great-granddaughter Brigette, and two great-great grandsons (Julian and Alex).

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014 from 6-9:00pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 1:00pm at Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Road. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SPAN, 400 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com