In memory of my wife Susie

November 4, 1963 – October 3, 2025

It is with deep sadness that I let our friends and customers know that my beloved wife of 34 years, Susie,  passed away at home peacefully on October 3, 2025 after her courageous fight with cancer.  Her friend Gerry and I held her hands until the end while “Sophie” never left her side.

She loved the guys that work with us at the shop, our customers and the great friends that she made in the firearms industry over the years. The support from her friends from the day she found out she was ill was incredible.  Thank you! She received the absolute best care and support because of you.

I know that Susie will always be with me and Sophie.   Carl
———————————–
Below is the obituary posted on Sullivan’s Funeral Home’s web site 

Obituary of Susie Ingrao

Susie Ingrao, a beloved wife, nurse, and friend, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, October 3, 2025. She was only 61 years old.

Susie was born in Walnut Creek, California, the daughter of John and Wanda Swanson. She grew up in Walnut Creek until her teenage years, when the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, following her father’s job opportunity. Twin Falls was a quiet agricultural community, on the Snake River. It was a big change from the California lifestyle, but Susie adjusted quickly and made lifelong friendships there. She graduated from Twin Falls High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from the College of Southern Idaho.

Susie was always up for an adventure. After graduating from nursing school, she left her small Idaho hometown and headed to Dallas, Texas, where she began her nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit of a Dallas hospital. It was there that she met her next door neighbor who became her future husband, Carl, who was originally from Massachusetts. They began dating in 1989, moved to Massachusetts in 1990, and were married in Antigua on May 17, 1991. Susie loved to reminisce about how they had so little when they married—Susie had a simple but elegant Laura Ashley wedding dress. Carl had to borrow a tuxedo jacket from a hotel waiter, and the dishwasher served as their wedding videographer. But that never stopped Susie and Carl from following their dreams together.

Susie had a wonderful and fulfilling career as a registered nurse, spanning from her early days working in the ICU unit in Texas to her decades in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, she first worked at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Lowell as an Emergency Room nurse, where she gained invaluable experience and countless memorable moments. She later became a surgical nurse at the Boston Center for Ambulatory Surgery, where she worked for 15 years, and finished her career as a nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital in Lexington for 17 years.

Her greatest reward came from making a positive difference in patients’ lives—providing care and comfort during their most vulnerable times. While doctors focused on procedures, Susie focused on people. She was the comforting presence who answered questions, held hands, and offered a warm smile that reassured everyone that things would be all right. She loved working alongside her fellow nurses, doctors, and staff, fostering both professional excellence and a joyful, compassionate work environment.

When you talk about Susie, you also have to talk about Carl—her husband, best friend, and soulmate. They were true partners in life. When Carl and Susie decided to buy Four Seasons Gun Shop in Woburn in 1995, Susie worked two jobs to support them while they got the business off the ground. She had an entrepreneurial spirit from the start and wholeheartedly encouraged Carl to pursue their dream. She even worked in the shop on her days off. Together, they also invested in properties—Susie always took charge of the decorating, bringing her creative touch to each one.

For the past 23 years, Susie and Carl cherished their second home in Falmouth, one of Susie’s favorite places. She loved walking along Surf Drive Beach or spending the day in the sun with a good book. The couple shared a love for travel—exploring Europe, visiting destinations across the United States, and escaping to Florida for winter vacations. Susie never turned down an adventure; all she needed was an invitation or suggestion, and she’d have her bags packed in no time.

What made Susie so special was her warmth, vibrancy, and kindness. She made everyone feel appreciated, welcomed, and loved. Even during her illness, she never complained, facing each challenge with grace and positivity. She was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain—her holiday prime rib roast was legendary. Everything she did, she did with her signature sense of style. She wouldn’t leave her home unless her hair, makeup, and outfit were perfect. She was a princess, and Carl was her “Prince Charming”.

It is with heavy hearts that her family and friends cope with Susie’s passing. She was a bright and shining star who brought joy, love, and light into every life she touched. Susie was an incredible woman—kind, elegant, and full of life—and she will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Susie was the beloved wife of 34 years of Carl.  She was the loving daughter of the late John and Wanda Swanson.  She was the sister of the late Jeffrey Swanson.  She was the sister-in-law of Walter and Linda Ingrao of Hingham. Her lifelong friend Gerry Fitzgerald from Eden, Idaho and countless friends that she made along the way who loved her.  She always had pets that she lovingly cared for over her lifetime including her beloved dog, Sophie, who was always at her side during her illness, giving her comfort.

A wake was held at Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, October 8 from 4 to 7 p.m.

There was a Funeral Mass at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, Burlington, MA on October 9.  Many friends attended.

For online guestbook and video tribute see:  Obituary of Susie Ingrao | Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home

Obituary of Susie Ingrao | Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home

Following are tributes from Susie’s friends:

Susie was a beloved friend of the Mass. (Ch. 54) Special Forces Association. Green Berets are unabashedly hard men, but we do not hesitate to say we loved Susie. She met us late in life when she and Carl decided to Sponsor our annual cook-out. Susie and Carl attended the cook-out every year, getting to know us and quickly becoming dear Friends. We loved Susie’s easy grace and the way she would sit and chat with everyone. Her affection was so infectious and she became close friends with all of us. She just loved being with us…and the feelings were mutual. Even this year, in her illness and pain, she insisted Carl and her Friend Gerry bring her to the cookout, and though weak and in pain, she proudly stood with us, straight and tall, as we saluted the American Flag and played the Ballad of the Green Berets. Yes, we loved her, but even more, we came to admire her strength and incredible courage. They say “old soldiers never die”, and for us, neither will Susie – she will ALWAYS be in our hearts, and at our cookout. So we will not say good-bye to her. Instead, we will say Vaya Con Dios – Go with God – and we’ll see you and Carl next summer, at the annual cook-out, in the warm sunshine of your smile as always, when you once again grace us with your love and friendship. Kevin Paicos President Ch. 54 SFA Cpt. Inf. (Special Forces) Ret.

I’ll always remember Susie and the amazing baking she did for all of us at the shop. It wasn’t just about the treats—though they were incredible. Her baking was a silent, beautiful gesture of generosity that helped bring our group closer. Every time she dropped off a tray of those perfect lemon bars or beautiful cakes it was a true moment of warmth and caring. She was a truly talented baker, and that small act of kindness meant more to all of us than she probably ever realized.   Jim Perrone.

Susie and I met in the late eighties at the Boston Center where we both worked.  Susie was an extraordinary recovery room nurse.  We immediately became true friends, vacationing together, partying and so much more.  After I moved to North Carolina and married she was the only one who remembered my wedding anniversaries and would remind me to remember always just in time, we laughed about it more times than I like to admit.  Susie, a lovely soul and friend I will forever miss.  Maddy Wright

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Susie is the bright, wide, inviting smile and twinkling eyes – a combination that would certainly light up any room she might enter.  At first glance, one might think her a “party girl”, so full of joy, a conclusion only to be dispelled by the weight of her chosen profession.  It takes a unique personality to deal with the substantial emotional and physical pressure of nursing.When I first met them, Carl and Susie seemed somewhat of a dichotomy, a perfect example of “opposites attract”, or so one might initially think.  They both had their ying and yang.  Susie, so full of life, bright smile, laughing and fanciful while Carl, the consummate businessman, serious, always focused on the numbers, the P&L.  Yet, Susie’s calling, nursing, offered an insight into her deep desire to help others in as serious a profession as one might have.  And when no one was looking, you might find Carl on a racetrack on one of his Harleys or in one of his sports cars tempting fate with a huge smile on his face.  They complemented each other perfectly and I cannot begin to imagine the vacuum Carl is facing with Susie’s untimely passing.Susie will be truly missed.  May her memory be a blessing and bring comfort to Carl and everyone who knew and loved her.   Ron Egalka

There was something simple yet special about my friendship with Susie where food was always at the heart of what connected us. Our friendship began shortly after Susie broke her ankle mowing the lawn and I extended the neighborly olive branch by sending over pasta and meatballs.  From then on, Susie and I shared our love for good food by exchanging recipes, sweet and savory treats and great restaurant finds.  Food was what brought us together but it was the funny stories, the neighborhood gossip and our genuine appreciation for one another that kept our friendship going. I will miss our texts, our chats in the middle of Shady Lane after getting the mail and our exchanges of new local finds.  But what I will miss most is the genuinely caring and beautiful person that she was.  Rest in sweet peace, Susie!  Maria, our neighbor

Susie was a dear friend who radiates kindness & generosity. We spent many happy times at Burlington, the Cape, Nahant and Florida – going to the beach, searching for shells, going out to eat or tooling around the shops. She enjoyed life and was always dressed for the occasion and never without her lipstick! She always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word. It was easy being around her. She will be missed greatly and will be forever in my heart.  Angelica

When I think of Susie I will always think of her cotton candy hair and her subtle laugh.  We shared a love of decorating and chatting about stores to find the best items.  We had the bookless club  here for a few years.  The only readers were Susie and I!  Everyone else came to chat.  And to enjoy her outstanding desserts.  But Susie often spoke of favorite books.  And we shared recommendations.  We got together in Nahant  several times with the book club group and ate and chatted while enjoying the view.  And in the fall Susie and I went to the Christmas festival at town hall in Nahant.  Once we went searching for sea glass and she remarked how relaxing it was to pick through sand and stone searching for that perfect piece of glass.  On several occasions she came over during the pandemic and we sat at one end of the garage to another freezing our butts  off talking about life during the pandemic, public health and vaccines.  We often  had soul searching conversations during that time and talked about what was important to us.  It was at that time Susie mentioned she would like to have a scholarship set up for a girl going to nursing school.  I loved that idea and have thought of that often myself.  Susie was a caring nurse, a caring person.  I can understand why she wanted to do this.  After the pandemic distance and time stopped us from connecting.  And  although she invited me there to the farm, I never made it.  A sad life lesson. I will always think of my friend and co worker as a treasure.  Our conversations were sometimes  trite, sometimes deep and soul searching.  Always important.  Always delightful.  Always memorable.  Will always be missed. Maryellen

I’m sure you will find comfort too in all the ways Susie touched others.  I love thinking of how Susie would join the Falmouth old man group when she took Jim Crossen to Dunkin Donuts to get coffee with the guys. I’d just drop him off and do errands but she joined in!  I’m sure Jim enjoyed that.  Terri (Jim was our neighbor who was a World War II Veteran)

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Susie for 15 years and during that time she became not just a coworker but a friend. We first met in the Operating Room as Nurses and from the very beginning I was struck by her kindness and the calm, caring way she cared for everyone around her. Working alongside Susie was a true joy. She had a gentle humor that could ease even the most stressful day. Her compassion, kindness and gentle spirit touched every child, family and colleague she encountered.

What I remember most about Susie is her smile and the warmth she carried into every room. She had a way of making people feel seen, valued and cared for. I always felt grateful to have her by my side. Susie’s passing leaves an empty space in our hearts but I will carry her memory with me always with gratitude for her friendship, admiration for her strength and love for the beautiful person she was. Sharon Anderson

Oh my Susie, my free spirited friend, your way of speaking was a mirror to your way of moving through the world  …light, relaxed, peaceful, loving and playful. Thoughts you shared contained your truth, a bit of humor, and often delivered with elongated vowels and a knowing chuckle or maybe more of a hum with a big smile at the end. I will miss your stories , our girls nights and your beautiful fun loving presence in my life. My vision of you now 

is comfy, cozy and happy snuggling with all of your dogs and taking them for drives to play on a beach in your red jeep, open to air, with a beautiful tan, white jean shorts, movie star sunglasses and your beautiful gorgeous smile! 

With Love and Loss, Kerry

Susie and I shared simple joys, swapping recipes, bonding over our love of Ina Garten. Laughing (or commiserating) about our pups. Bella and Zoe, then Sophie and Biscuit. Our mix of frustration and fun they brought. She was always ready to lend a hand when needed, never hesitating with her kindness. And no matter the day or moment, Susie was never without her lipstick perfectly her 🥰  Jan Sullivan

A wonderful visit with Susie♥️ I hadn’t spoken to Susie for awhile, but had been thinking of her a lot lately. She was my neighbor and friend from Nahant. She was always happy and smiling and she had the most blue beautiful eyes. When my mom passed Susie called to ask if she could help me clean out my mom’s home. She asked if I needed anything or if I just wanted to talk…she’d be there. We promised we would get our dogs together for a play date. Time had passed and I missed some of those opportunities and regret it. When I went to visit Susie a few times  in the hospital, the last time was very memorable. We sat and talked for a long time.  We laughed a bit and gossiped about everything. I talked about everyone she knew back in Nahant. She loved hearing about her neighbors.  She also talked about how much she loved being a nurse and working with the doctors.T hat was her passion.  Always helping others. Of course we talked about our husbands, handbags, our hair and our dogs. I shared photos of us from car shows, pictures of the neighborhood and her old home. I just had the best day, that day with Susie. All the time I missed with her I was able to capture it back in one afternoon. One that I won’t forget. I didn’t want to leave but I noticed she was getting tired. Susie hugged me for a long time before I left. It was an extra long wonderful hug.I won’t forget that day, that hug, her warmth and those beautiful blue eyes.  I told her I would see her again. I woke up Friday, thinking a lot about Susie and I couldn’t remember how she looked at the hospital just a few days earlier. I could only remember her how she was before with a big smile and pretty blonde hair. That morning Susie passed away. I somehow know she is back to herself now and feeling better. She is no longer anxious, suffering or sad. I’m sure she misses Carl & Sophie very much as they do her, but I am also sure she’ll be with them forever.  Susie, you will be missed♥️ Love you always,  Judi Moccia*