Sue Ann Cupaioli

Sue Ann (“Susie”) Cupaioli, a native of Dallas, Texas, and resident of Houston since 1973, passed away peacefully in her home of 52 years on April 10, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. Susie courageously fought Alzheimer’s for 13 years with dignity and grace while never losing her charming, kind, caring, fun and sweet disposition throughout the course of the disease. Throughout her life, Susie was a stranger to no one and a friend to many. She was a bright light in this world and her joy and love will continue to shine here on earth in the hearts of family and friends.

Susie attended Ursuline Academy in Dallas and later graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1962. After high school, Susie briefly attended the University of North Texas before moving home to care for her mother after her father’s passing. During this time, Susie worked as a receptionist at the Donovan Uniform Company – the family business at the time – before taking a position at Republic National Bank of Dallas.

While employed at Republic Bank, Susie met her husband of nearly 54 years, Ian L. Cupaioli. Although the two attended Hillcrest High School and graduated in the same class, it took 8 years for their paths to cross at one of the many social events held at the Village, in Dallas Texas. The two soon married and had two children, Meg and Ian.

After a family move to Houston in 1973, Susie began work at the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church School for Little People. Susie embraced the role of caring for children with her comforting, encouraging and calming presence that endeared children to her.

In 1985, upon encouragement from a family friend, Susie applied for and was hired as a receptionist at Merrill Lynch located in the Houston Galleria. She spent the next 27 years at Merrill and over the years developed treasured friendships with co-workers and clients alike. At Merrill, Susie was the beloved face of the office and greeted employees and clients as they entered and exited the office with a warm smile and positive demeanor. She earned numerous accolades for her outstanding service and positive interactions with Merrill clients. “Switchboard Susie”, as she was sometimes called, retired in 2012. She cherished her Merrill family and always had fond memories of her time working there.

Susie loved her two granddaughters, Elizabeth Leigh and Hannah Rose, and they both brought great joy to her life. Although both were born and raised in Dallas, she enjoyed frequent visits and their time shopping together for clothes and their many beach vacations. She never arrived empty-handed and loved to spoil both girls.

Susie was preceded in death by her father, John (“Dunny”) Thomas Donovan II, mother, Rose Moran Donovan, and older sister Patricia (“Pat”) Mae Donovan. She is survived by her husband, Ian L. Cupaioli; daughter, Meg Shull (husband Wayne); and son, Ian E. Cupaioli (wife Mary Beth). She is the “Mee-maw” of her beloved granddaughters, Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Shull and Hannah Shull.

She is also survived by older brother, John (“Bubba”) Donovan III (wife Marcella); brother-in-law Ed Cupaioli (wife Charlotte); and her nieces and nephew: Jill Donovan, Leslie Donovan, Margot Greer (husband Patrick), and Ed Cupaioli (wife Jess).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who helped provide exceptional and loving care during her final years. A special thanks to Sara, Renee, Maria, Monique, Jackie and all the caretakers who ensured Susie lived out her final years with dignity and respect.

The family would also like to thank Houston Hospice, and in particular, Latonya and Veronica who were frequent and welcomed visitors. In addition, the family would like to thank the physicians at Kelsey-Seybold including Dr. Solomos, Dr. Garza and Dr. Gummelt for their compassionate care.

A visitation will be held Monday April 28th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77079. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 29th at 2:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Houston Hospice or Citizens for Animal Protection.