Susan Dudley Abbott

Susan Dudley Abbott died peacefully in her home on May 26 at the age of 85 with loved ones by her side. She lived a full and happy life, and her generous and lively spirit was a source of joy to all who knew her.

Susan was a loving wife to Anthony S. "Tony" Abbott, who preceded her in death in the Fall of 2020, shortly after their 60th anniversary. Together they raised three sons, David (Donna), Stephen (Katy), and Andy (Katie); were the proud grandparents to Robert (Lora), James (Lindsay), Elliott, Josie, Clara, Henry and John; and Susan was a great-grandparent to Kade, Marshall and Thomas. While extremely active in many areas of life, Susan was above all devoted to her family. One of her great joys in life was supporting her children and grandchildren, watching them build their families, and become wonderful adults.

Susan was born and raised in South Orange, NJ, where her parents Frederick and Frances Dudley lived surrounded by extended family. She attended the Beard School and then Wheaton College before she left school and married Tony. They lived briefly in Cambridge, MA and Lewiston, ME before they settled in Davidson, NC in 1964.

While Tony thrived as an English professor at Davidson College, Susan invested herself deeply in the community. She served on the PTA, taught Sunday School at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, acted and volunteered for the Davidson Community Players, worked the concession stands at McEver Field, hosted AFS students, supported the Ada Jenkins Center, worked at the Village Store, founded the Copeland House Gallery, and ultimately worked in the advancement office for Davidson College. In 2008, she was awarded the Algernon Sydney SullivanAward for her volunteer leadership in the Davidson Community.

Susan was widely known for being the consummate hostess, and she loved to open her homes in Davidson and on Lake Norman to close and extended family; to kids from the neighborhood; to Tony's students, colleagues and advisees; to international students; to parents attending their children's graduations, and to neighbors and friends. She loved playing games and would invite all guests to play cards, Rummikub, Boggle, Bridge, Shanghai, Yahtzee or whatever new interest she had stashed in her closet. She was an enthusiastic competitor, and on the rare occasion she lost, she would declare, "Stupid game!"

Susan had a tremendous impact on generations of friends and she will be remembered for her motivational spirit. She will be buried in Mimosa Cemetery alongside her husband Tony and her cherished daughter Carolyn Dean, who passed suddenly at age four.

Susan's family is incredibly grateful for the many expressions of love and support received in recent months. They also extend heartfelt thanks to Susan’s caregivers and to the staff at The Pines for their devoted and compassionate care, especially during her final weeks.

A celebration of life will take place at Davidson College Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 7 at 2:00pm and a reception will follow.(To watch the service online go to the DCPC YouTube or Facebook page.) Susan requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to DCPC, PO Box 337, Davidson, NC 28036; to The Pines Resident Support Fund, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036; to Davidson College; to the Ada Jenkins Center,212 Gamble St, Davidson, NC 28036; or to the Abbott Family Scholarship at John Burroughs School, 755 S. Price Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124.