Suzanne O Welch

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Suzanne (Sue) Welch, 86, passed away on June 21, 2024 in her home state of Maryland. Sue’s first priority was always to selfless duties of being a wife and mother to her husband and four children. She was well known to have an amazing memory and a wonderful sense of humor. Sue was born August 11, 1937 in Baltimore. She was raised in Laurel, where she was valedictorian of her class at Laurel High School. Sue graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Home Economics in 1959 and was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. At the University of Maryland, she was set up on a blind date with Jim Welch, whom she married shortly after graduation. They were spouses, partners, and best friends. They celebrated 65 incredible years of marriage just a week before her passing. Sue taught home economics for 19 years primarily at Linwood Middle School in North Brunswick, New Jersey. She was a Girl Scout leader as well as Cub Scout Den Mother & Assistant Cubmaster. After retirement, Sue and Jim moved to Annapolis, Maryland where Sue worked at the Naval Academy Visitor Center for 20 years as a beloved tour guide and supervisor. Sue enjoyed singing in the choir with her husband in the Diocesan Choir of Metuchen and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in New Jersey and then at St. Mary’s Parish in Annapolis. Sue was adamant about attending school, sports, and any other events in support of her children and grandchildren. She was an incredibly present woman who ensured her love and support was felt in every way she could, whether it was fresh baked cookies or making hand sewn Christmas ornaments. She was preceded in death by her parents Stewart and Emily O’Connor and her sister Karen Dennehy. She is survived by her loving husband Jim, her children Julia (James) Diefenderfer, Virginia (Daniel) Nagao, Robert (Jennifer) Welch, Andrew (Lisa) Welch, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Viewing will be on July 2 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at The John M. Taylor Funeral Home in Annapolis. The funeral mass will be celebrated on July 3 at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Little Sisters of the Poor St. Martin’s Home in Baltimore would be appreciated.