Susan R. Gannon of Somers, NY died on October 28, 2026 age 92.
Susan was born in Manhattan to Thomas Ryan and Grayce (Dowling) Ryan. She lived in the Bronx while attending Mount Saint Ursula Academy, College of New Rochelle and finally Fordham University where she earned her Ph.D. and met her husband, Joseph F. Gannon.
Susan taught in the NYC public schools for 12 years before starting work at Pace University, first at the downtown campus, and later at the Pleasantville campus where she taught for over 30 years. Susan wrote numerous articles, chapters in books, and spoke at conferences on various topics related to children’s literature, with a focus on 19th century children’s periodicals. She is the co-author of Mary Mapes Dodge and a co editor of St. Nicholas and Mary Mapes Dodge: The Legacy of a Children’s Magazine Editor 1873-1905.
Susan had a saying, only boring people are bored. She was always reading, thinking listening and writing. She treasured time with family, especially her daughter’s cat and dogs. Susan moved the family out of the Bronx to Bedford Hills, and she and her husband finally settled in Somers. She truly loved living in Somers and made sure to find some elephant ornaments to add to her always epic Christmas trees.
Susan was predeceased by her husband, Joseph F. Gannon, and her brother, Thomas A. Ryan. She is survived by her daughter, Vicky Gannon, her niece, Claire E. Ryan (Christopher Rubsamen) and her grand niece and grand nephew Caitlin Rubsamen and Colin Rubsamen.
Our deepest thanks to Susan’s caregivers from Angels on Call, especially Shenneth Mcleish Daley, and Jansen Hospice.
No services will be held, interment will be private.
