Susan E. Wales

Susan Elaine Wales passed away peacefully with her family by her side in Pittsburgh's Penn West hospital on Sunday, July 16, at the age of 73.

Sue was born in Brockway, Pennsylvania, to Kenneth and Elaine Wales. She graduated from Brockway Area High School in 1967 and began her college career at West Liberty State College, WV. Sue earned her bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Special Education in 1971. She later obtained her master's degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University.

Throughout college, Sue exemplified her love for sports by playing basketball, field hockey, softball, and volleyball.  She was also a proud member of the Delta Zeta - Iota Tau Sorority, forming life-long friendships that she cherished over the years.

Sue's teaching career began in 1971 as an elementary school teacher in Wellsburg, WV. She later taught Special Education at Westbury Middle School, where she also served as the Athletic Director. She eventually moved to North Carolina and continued her teaching journey at Knox Middle School in Salisbury.

In 1983, Sue transitioned paths to join the Salisbury, NC Police Department, where she proudly served as the Director of Planning & Research and Accreditation Manager until her retirement in 2006. Even in retirement, she continued work for CALEA  (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.) for an additional 11 years. She appreciated the position's travel opportunities, incorporating beach visits when possible.

Beyond professional achievement,  Sue was deeply involved in her Church community serving as Senior Warden at St Matthew's Episcopal Church in Salisbury for several years. Her dedication led to the strengthening of staff, relationships, and many innovative life-giving advantages to the church community. At the time of her passing, Sue was a beloved member of St. Matthew's Church and the Episcopal Church of North Carolina.

Throughout her academic and professional careers, Sue always made time for her family and friends whom she loved dearly. Once truly retired, she relished spending even more time with them and playfully reminding them how wonderful retirement was.
Sue loved to laugh. She loved the beach and its waves. She loved floating in the pool soaking up the sun.
She was known for her humor and kindness. She loved to make holidays magical, creating joy among her friends and family.
Her nieces, nephews, and their children were her pride and joy, evident in her words and actions as she always had pictures and stories to share. 

Sue's bond with her family and friends was strong, filled with love and cherished memories. Her legacy of love will continue far beyond her life.

Sue was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Elaine Wales of Brockway, PA; her brother, Donald (Karen) Wales of Brockway; and her sister, Judy Wales of Flagstaff, AZ. She is survived by her brother Vincent Wales of Fields Landing, CA; sister-in-law Karen Wales of Brockway, PA; nephews Eric (Franny) Wales of State College PA,  Andrew (Lacey) Wales of Brockway PA, Payton (Kristina) of Baltimore, MD, and niece Megan (Ryan) Burnham of Dublin, OH.
Additionally, she leaves behind great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and many dear friends collected on her journey.

Sue's final wish was to be celebrated, not mourned. She asked that you sing like nobody's listening; however, she will be. And she'll be singing with you.

A celebration of her life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal rescue, as this was a cause she held dear to her heart.

"Thanks for the gumball!"

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