Susan H. Palermo's Obituary
Susan Holly Roberta Palermo (nee Claus) passed away surrounded by her loving family and
dear friends on Thursday December 21, 2023 after a heroic battle against cancer.
She was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. All that knew her would say she was one of the kindest and selfless souls they had ever had the honor of meeting. Susan, or Holly as many knew her, was born on December 22, 1949 to Robert and Angeline (nee Cicco) Claus in Lorain, Ohio. She was the eldest of their three children, followed by Cheryl and Bobby. While growing up in Lorain Holly was a member of the St. Mary’s High School class of 1967. Upon her graduation from St. Mary’s, she went on to attend Ohio University. Susan received her BS in Education as a Bobcat in 1971. While her degree was an accomplishment to be very proud of, it wasn’t nearly as important as meeting the love of her life while walking the rolling hills of Athens. Ross Palermo and Susan were wed on July 22, 1972 at St. Anthony’s Church. They were blessed with a very full and exciting life. This life was accentuated by the birth of their three sons Brandon, Brett, and Andrew. Their children brought them an array of experiences and Susan was always extremely proud of all of her sons’ accomplishments. Just when she didn’t think she could love anyone more she was given her favorite title in the world; Grandma to Rocco and Gino.
When not being a doting wife, mother and grandmother, Holly had many interests and hobbies.
She loved reading, walking and exploring the local metroparks, music, and the theater. Susan
was a scholar at heart and lived her life with a very open mind and was always willing to try new
things. The time to explore these hobbies was given to her upon her retirement from her 30+ years of service with Lorain City Schools. She began her career as a history teacher, but made the decision to join the army of administrative assistants that kept Admiral King High School running so that she could spend more time with her children at home. This long career brought some of her favorite people into her life, both co-workers and students alike; some of whom she still enjoyed joining for lunch at a variety of local dining establishments, coffee shops, and attending book clubs with.
Susan Holly was preceded in death by her younger brother Bobby, and her father Robert.
Among the many people who will miss Susan, her departure will forever impact the lives of her
loving husband Ross, her sons Brandon (Brittnay), Brett (Rachael), and Andrew (Jason), her
sister Cheryl (Rich Lindsley), her mother Angeline, and her grandsons Rocco and Gino
Palermo.
The family will receive friends on Friday, December 29th, 2023 from 1:00 pm until the time of her memorial service at 2:00 pm at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com.
In lieu of flowers, if your heart would like to memorialize Susan, we ask that donations be made in her name to the Friendship APL, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.
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