Susan attended Dexter kindergarten, Christ the King grade school, and Reitz Memorial High School (1971). She graduated from Indiana University in 1975 (Education) and wed Kenneth Metz in December.
Susan taught at North Central High School in Indianapolis (1975-1976) and Christ the King grade school in Evansville (1976-1979). She served the Vanderburgh County Superior Court Juvenile Division as a probation officer (1979-1984) and child placement coordinator (1991-1998). Susan returned to education and earned an Elementary Administrative License in 2006. In 2001, the University of Evansville recognized Susan as Cooperative Teacher of the Year. At the time of her death, she was on medical leave as assistant principal of Harwood Middle School.
Susan is survived by her husband of 34 years, Kenny; sons, Jacob Metz (Amanda) of Carmel, Ind., Joshua Metz of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Joseph Metz of Evansville; father, John F. O'Leary of Tavares, Fla.; sister, Michal "Micky" O'Leary of Atlanta, Ga.; brothers, John Michael "Mike" O'Leary of Evansville and Timothy of Sanford, Fla.; mother-in-law, Margaret Metz of Evansville; brother-in-law, Gary Metz of Evansville; uncle, Bill Gass of Oak Brook, Ill.; aunts, Vivian Lockyear of Evansville, Virginia Drone of Ridgway, Ill., and Gertrude Walker of Murphysboro, Ill.; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie "Marge" O'Leary in 1982.
Services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3010 E. Chandler Avenue, officiated by Fr. Jean Vogler, with burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Ridgway, Ill. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Alexander North Chapel.
Friends may remember Susan with contributions to the Tri-State Food Bank, 801 East Michigan Street, Evansville, IN 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Madison Sanford
September 25, 2009
Hi im a student currently attending REITZ high school, during my middle school i had Mrs. Metz as my assitant principal at Harwood. im just now hearing about this.
i just wanted to let the Metz family know im so sorry you had to lose such a great person. she was probably the best i had had. she was there for me everytime i needed somebody to talk to .
again im sorry.
Kristina Thomas
September 6, 2009
Dear Metz Family,
I am terribly sorry for your loss.
I am an 8th grader from Harwood Middle School. She was one of my favorite teachers and always will be. Yea, sure us 6th, 7th, and 8th graders had our up's and down's with Mrs.Metz but everything she did, she did because she cared about every single one of us no matter how bad we were and i understand that now. I loved her, i still do and i wish the best for your family.
Amanda Frederick
September 3, 2009
Metz family, I am very sad to hear about the passing of Susan. She was an amazing woman and will always be in my memory. She always lit up the room with her warmness and kindness. She will never be forgotten. I am very sorry for your loss and your family is in my thoughts during this time.
Rebecca Barclay-Liggett
September 3, 2009
My sincerest condolences go out to the O'Leary and Metz families. I went to school with Susan, from first grade at Christ the King through high school at Memorial. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. God bless you.
david weightman
September 3, 2009
Im sorry to hear the news. You were a good assistant principal. You will be missed
Harris Howerton
September 3, 2009
Metzo and sons : My prayers go to you in this time of your wonderful wife and mothers passing. I will remember Susan as one of the friendliest and kindest persons that she has always been. God knows her well, and now has her in his company. Bless you all and my best to you.
September 3, 2009
My sincerest condolences to the O'Leary and Metz families. I was a classmate of Susan's through kindergarten at Dexter, grade school at Christ the King, and Memorial High School.
Stephen Ulrich
September 2, 2009
Kenny and family:
Our sincerest sympathies on Susan's passing. Although it has been some years since I last saw her, my memory of her is that of a warm and lovely person. You, your sons, Uncle Mickle, Mickey, Mike, Tim, and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda (Walker)Bugle
Paula and Jon Shoultz
September 2, 2009
Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
September 2, 2009
Kenny and family; I am so very sorry for your loss of Susan. She was very lucky to have had such a loving husband,kids and friends. Know that you are all in my prayers.
Your friend Cinda Paddock and family
kelzi daniels
September 2, 2009
wow, mrs.metz helped me when my family was going through alot, i would have never imagined this, she was so inspiring as my assistant princapal, she was always someone to go to with my problems she truly was a hero, my love and support goes out to her family , they will be in my prayers
Kent, Olga, Eric & Dana Trammel
September 2, 2009
Kenny, Jake, Josh, Joe & the rest of the Metz clan,
We're so sorry to hear the sad news and will cherish having known Susan through all the great times we shared as the boys were growing up. Across the miles, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that our hearts are saddened by the loss of this beautiful woman, wife & mother.
Debbie Engelbrecht
September 2, 2009
Ken, my thoughts are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bill & Eve Studwell
September 2, 2009
Metzo,Josh,Jake,&Joe,
Susan was a wonderful person, wife, and mother. She will be missed by all that she touched. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Fred & Kim Frederick
September 2, 2009
We were truly saddened to hear the news of Susan's passing. Although we only knew her for a short time, we could tell she was a person who loved life and tried to live it to the fullest. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny and the boys.
Rodney Gass
September 2, 2009
Our sincerest condolences to the O'Leary & Metz families. We are deeply saddened, and will miss Susan dearly. Love & prayers. the Rod Gass family
Bush Family
September 1, 2009
As a mother of three children who attend Harwood School i can honestly say that Mrs. Metz was a true friend not only to the children but also the parents. Your family will be in our prayers during this time of loss. She will be greatly missed.
Amy Paddock
September 1, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Laura Schmitt
September 1, 2009
About 30 years ago, I taught at Christ the King School with Susan. She was always a happy-go-lucky person to work with. I always enjoyed seeing her over the years.
I wish to offer my sympathy and prayers to her family.
Sister Laura Marie Schmitt
Kelly Peterson
September 1, 2009
Josh and the rest of the Metz family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss...my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to you. What a truly great group of boys she raised, it is quite a testament. I hope you are all able to find comfort in knowing she is finally free from pain and at peace.
My condolences,
Candy, Donald,and Donnie Langston
September 1, 2009
Our son goes Harwood Middle School. Sorry about Mrs. Metz. We will miss her always.
Mark & Kellie Timberlake
September 1, 2009
Jake and Amanda
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Robbins
September 1, 2009
Metzo & Boys: So very sorry to hear of Susie's passing. I will hold dear to my heart the many fun times we all have had over the years. May you find strenght knowing that your friends are at your side during this sad time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy, Rab & Paul Robbins
Amanda Hendrix
September 1, 2009
I have two children who go to Harwood and they just loved her. I know that she was loved and will be missed.
the Hendrix Family
Martha Luther Wharton
September 1, 2009
Mickle, Viv, Bill & all the family:
I met Susan only once, and it was truly wonderful to experience her warmth and wit (so like Mary Rose!) as we spoke of Ridgway remembrances. My deep sympathy to all of you.
Amanda Payne
September 1, 2009
Mrs. Metz was a wonderful friend and teacher. She offered everything she had to her students and her co-workers. She always had a smile on her face and you could certainly count on her for a good laugh! My condolences and deepest sympathies to the Metz family. She was a beautiful person and will truly be missed. The children and schools of this community have lost a great advocate and friend.
Dink and Janet Garris
September 1, 2009
We want to send our sympathy to the Metz family. We didn't know Mrs. Metz but understood that she was a wonderful person and worked hard for children.
September 1, 2009
Kenny, Josh, Jake, and Joe,
Susan was truly a wonderful person, and she will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Matt, Steph, and Reece Becker
Julie Bland
September 1, 2009
Mrs. Metz will always be in my heart as my first mentor and genuine friend. She taught me to be the teacher I am today. My heart aches in this time of extreme sorrow. Everything she gave will truly be missed.
You were certainly loved!
September 1, 2009
Joe our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike, Jennifer, Cory & Hannah
William Grannan
September 1, 2009
Sorry to hear of Susan's death. She is one of the most memorable teachers I had at Christ the King school. She will be missed. I have often thought of Her many times through the years. I am sorry for the loss that you are feeling. May God Bless you all.
William R. Grannan
Natalie Nix
August 31, 2009
Dear Jake and Amanda, so sorry to hear about your mother and mother-in-laws passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Please let me know if you need anything! God bless and Love!
Natalie Nix
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more