Susan Wilson Rude

Susan Wilson Rude, cherished mother and beloved wife, passed away on October 6, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Susan was born “Miss 1952,” the New Year baby of Van Wert County, Ohio, on January 2, to Agnes and Lewis Wilson, a Methodist preacher, whose work took their family to many towns across the state. Susan met her best friend and husband Harold in 1974, and they were married two years later in Defiance, OH. They had two children, Mary Elizabeth, in 1978, and Emily Rebecca, in 1984. They relocated to Stow, MA in 1984, where she lived for the next 40 years. Susan always remained proud of her Ohio roots and passionate about genealogy. She was a devoted daughter, sister, and mother for all her days. She was steadfastly supportive of her family, freely giving wisdom and love in abundance.

Susan lived her life committed to helping others. She majored in social work at Ohio Northern University, then worked at the Harding Hospital Halfway House and Wesley Glen Health Center. After moving to Massachusetts, she was a caring homemaker and tireless in her extensive volunteer work. She gave her time to Meals on Wheels, the Maynard Agape Center, UNICEF, the Stow Friends of Music, the Bloodmobile, and the Stow Food Pantry, for which she was on the Board of Directors. She was the secretary of the Union Church of Stow for 20 years, where she also taught Sunday School, organized Women’s group meetings, and shared her love of music through the piano, voice, and flute. Even in her daily life, her generosity was endless. Susan loved to connect with others, often visited elderly friends, and aided anyone who sought her help. She loved all creatures great and small, providing a home for many animals in need. She enjoyed exploring new places, visiting museums and libraries, and was an avid, daily reader of the Boston Globe.

Susan battled the debilitating, degenerative effects of primary progressive multiple sclerosis for many years until it ultimately took her life. She was proud to participate in the “Gift of Hope” tissue donor program to further multiple sclerosis research. She is survived by her three older brothers, David, Dwight, and Robert, her husband of 48 years, Harold, her daughters, Mary and Emily, and beloved beagle, Shiloh.

Visitation hours are on October 26, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her name be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to Greyhound Friends, Inc. Her ashes will be buried privately at Brookside Cemetery in Stow, MA.