Susanne V. McGarry

Susanne V. McGarry, age 71, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at her home, while in the loving company of her family, on Thursday, October 1, 2020.

Born is Passaic, Susanne’s childhood was spent in Garfield, Sacramento, CA, Passaic, and many years in Wayne in the family home on Clifford Drive. After graduation from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1968, she joined the workforce with a position at Hoffmann La Roche in Clifton.

In 1968, while working at La Roche, Sue met the love of her life – Owen McGarry. She didn’t know it but, one day, Owen had noticed her in the company cafeteria. Later that day, he saw Sue again as she was walking across the parking lot towards her car to go home. He politely approached her and struck up a conversation. The mutual vibe seemed positive so Owen asked Sue if she would like to go out with him the following Friday night. Much to his delight, she agreed and they spent that Friday night enjoying dinner at a restaurant across the highway from La Roche. As Sue and Owen’s love for each other grew, Owen came up with a plan to ask for Sue’s hand in marriage. Of course, he started by purchasing a beautiful ring. One evening, he and Sue and another couple – Patty and Bill met at Susy’s house before going to see Tom Jones perform at the Copacabana in New York City. Before they left for the concert, Sue’s mother wanted to take a group photo and, as they posed for the picture, Owen reached into his pocket and held up the box with the ring. Of course, Sue’s mom noticed immediately and screamed in delight! They married on Sunday, August 23, 1970 at Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church in Wayne. A reception was held at The Wayne Manor on route 23 (now a BMW dealership) where they danced to the Beatles “Something” for their first dance as husband and wife. Afterwards, they honeymooned in Hawaii.

Sue and Owen’s first home together was in Wallington. They soon moved to Sparta and were blessed with their daughter Tracy and son Ian. In 1985, they moved to Wayne where they’ve lived ever since. With the arrival of children Sue left her work at Hoffman La Roche to become a fulltime mother and homemaker. She learned to become an excellent cook – so good that her son Ian said that his friends would rather eat at his house than their own. Family favorites included Sue’s meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, ravioli and spaghetti, and any recipe with flounder. Sue had the greatest knack for making the McGarry house the type of place you simply looked forward to coming home to. Susanne was so energized by the magic of the holidays and that energy was contagious. With the enthusiasm of a youngster, she’d start decorating for Halloween and Christmas a month or two before the big days actually arrived. The house smelled delicious from the aroma of the fresh pine needles on the always real Christmas tree and the nostalgia of the Department 56 Christmas Village always put everyone in that holiday spirit.

One of Sue’s greatest joys was listening to music. In fact, music was playing in the house all the time. Favorite artists included Janice Joplin, The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Stevie Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Starship, Genesis, Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Billy Joel. She and Owen saw many of these artists in live concerts. Before the got married, they were planning to go to Woodstock but opted out to save their money in anticipation of marriage. There was also no bigger Mets fan than Sue. Many trips were made to Flushing Queens to see the Amazin’ Mets including thirty times in the 1986 season when they last won the World Series. Even in the last five years since suffering a stroke, Sue made it to a game at least once a season and enjoyed the action from her wheelchair while enjoying her favorite snack of Cracker Jacks.

When her kids were younger, the family enjoyed trips to Virginia Beach and later in life, she and Owen to several trips to Las Vegas where several times they got to see George Carlin perform his comedy routine. Closer to home, Sue enjoyed working in her garden, so much so, that she became a florist and worked at Strawberry Blossom Garden Center when it was owned by her husband Owen. Later, when they sold the business, Sue got a job in the floral department at the Kings Grocery Store in Wayne (which is now Corrado’s Market). Sue and Owen were blessed with 50 years of marriage. They loved each other’s company and special date nights out to favorite restaurants including, Mt. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, Ben Benson’s Steakhouse, Houston’s in Hackensack, and Houlihan’s in Wayne never grew old. She adored her children through all their phases of life. When Tracy was younger, Sue was there for all her figure skating practices and competitions and they family would take trips to Lake Placid to see figure skating. She and Tracy also enjoyed day trips together down the Jersey Shore at Spring Lake and, of course, going shopping together. After filling the trunk with their purchases, they often hit a favorite restaurant for lunch. With her son Ian, Sue learned the true meaning of travel by traveling all over the place to see him play hockey on a traveling team, and she even accepted his invitation to a Van Halen and Metallica concert.

Despite numerous battles with health over the past recent years, Sue always remained upbeat and positive – even in the worst of times. Not only did she dress classy, she always behaved in a classy manner and was truly one of the kindest persons you would ever meet. She loved visitors to her house and they were always allowed to stay for as long as they wanted. And she loved calling and receiving phone calls from good friends. Sue loved good conversation and short ones often turned into long ones. She could talk about anything but especially liked to talk about current affairs. When Owen would come home from work, he simply just enjoyed seeing her because she was always happy and upbeat.            

Susanne was the beloved wife of Owen, blessed in marriage for fifty years. She was the most loving mother of Tracy McGarry of Scotch Plains and Ian McGarry of Wayne; cherished sister of Kathy West of Pompton Lakes and her son Jason West; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Susanne’s name are asked to consider:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

(www.stjude.org)