Susanne “Sudy” Ferry Wattson
Susanne “Sudy” Ferry Wattson, born as Clara Susanne Ferry and known affectionately as Sudy, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at the age of 77 with her children by her side.
Sudy was born on June 17, 1947, in Evanston, Ill., at Evanston Hospital to Susanne Snead and Francis Farwell Ferry, Jr. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by compassion, strength, and a fierce dedication to her family, community, and the causes she held dear.
Early Life and Education: Sudy’s early years were spent in Wilmette, Ill., where her family lived close to her paternal grandparents in Winnetka. They later moved to Long Grove, Ill., to live with her grandparents, Frank Farwell Ferry, Sr. and Deborah Sayles, while her parents built their family home. Sudy’s education began in an informal kindergarten program at a neighbor's house, and she later attended Kildeer Countryside Elementary School in Long Grove.
In 1959, Sudy’s parents separated, and in 1960, Susanne married Robert “Bob” Marshall. The family relocated to Highland Park, Ill. where Sudy attended Elm Place Middle School for 7th and 8th grades before graduating from Highland Park High School. During her high school years, Sudy was a cheerleader for three years and participated in synchronized swimming. She was also an active member of the student council, where she served as secretary and social chair, organizing dances and social events for her peers.
Academic and Professional Life: Sudy was an exceptional student who excelled academically. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she earned top grades in nursing school and attended many of the university's football and hockey games. Later, she earned her Master’s degree in Nursing, focusing on Psychiatric Care, from the prestigious University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
After completing her studies at UCSF, Sudy worked in mental health at UCSF's Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute in San Francisco, Marin General’s Crisis Unit, and Ross Hospital in Kentfield, California. Throughout her professional career, Sudy was deeply committed to her work and to advocating for improved working conditions and nurses’ rights. She was a passionate advocate for women’s equality and empowerment.
Sudy spent nearly 34 years living in Tiburon, Calif. where she raised her two children, Coren "Cory" (Christina) Shakarian and Abby (Joe) Chappell. As a mother, Sudy was actively involved in her children’s lives, cheering them on at school, sports, ballet performances, and other events.
Later Years and Northwoods Legacy: In 2009, Sudy made the bold decision to leave her beloved Tiburon for the Northwoods, moving to Land O' Lakes, Wis. her childhood summer escape. She spent the last fifteen years of her life immersed in the beauty and community of the Northwoods, where she had deep familial and ancestral ties. Sudy was a proud member of Ely Memorial Church, where she sang in the choir and was a Tenor in the Northwoods Singers. She was also actively involved in the Land O' Lakes Historical Society, where she served as past president, as well as in the Fish and Game Club and numerous other local organizations.
Sudy’s passion for nature and wildlife was evident in her lifelong love of animals, including horses, dogs, and cats, many of whom she rescued and cared for. She had a unique talent for penmanship and writing and spent much of her time writing journals and letters to her loved ones, always communicating with warmth and creativity.
A generous and kind-hearted woman, Sudy’s love for others knew no bounds. Whether it was supporting charitable organizations, family, or friends, Sudy was quick to offer her help, whether through a thoughtful gift, a loan, or a heartfelt note. She gave freely, even in times of personal financial hardship.
Family and Legacy: Sudy is survived by her two children, Coren "Cory" (Christina) Shakarian and Abby (Joe) Chappell; her four grandchildren, Ava Chappell, Isaac Chappell, Shant Shakarian, and Maral Shakarian; her brother, Frank (Sharon) Ferry III; her sister, Cheryl Smith; her ex-husbands, Carl John Shakarian and James "Jim" A. Wattson; and her siblings, Marcia Elizabeth Lindberg, Jo Anne Lindberg, and G. William "Bill" Lindberg. Sudy also leaves behind an extended family of cousins; nieces; nephews; relatives by marriage; and close friends, who were always just a letter or phone call away.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Susanne Snead Marshall and Francis Farwell Ferry Jr.; her stepmother, Elizabeth "Betty" Ferry; and her sisters, Abby Ferry Marcy and Jeanette "Jenny" Sokulski.
The Wattson, Shakarian, Chappell, and Ferry families express their deepest gratitude to the Land O' Lakes, Watersmeet, MI, and greater Northwoods communities for the care, love, and support they provided Sudy throughout her life.
Celebration of Life: A celebration of Sudy’s life will take place in the summer of 2025 (date TBD) in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin - the place where Sudy felt most at home.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Ely Memorial Church (https://elyucc.org/) or your favorite environmental or animal charity, such as Greenpeace (https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/), the Sierra Club (https://www.sierraclub.org/), or the World Wildlife Fund (https://www.worldwildlife.org/), to honor Sudy’s legacy of compassion for both people and the planet. PAID OBITUARY
