Susan Joan Reda

With her family by her side, Susan, 71, passed away on December 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia, from complications of pneumonia. Susan, lovingly known to her family as SueSue, was born in the Bronx, NY, the third of six children to Patrick and Betty Reda. She moved to Atlanta in 1990, where she lived the rest of her life. From an early age, Susan enjoyed making the family laugh and entertained them at every opportunity with her playfulness and funny antics. She had a passion for music that continued throughout her life. The piano was an integral part of her everyday life, but her exceptional talent extended to the guitar, banjo and any other instrument she touched—even the Mongolian horsehead fiddle. Her musical ability ranged from classical to country, Bach to Dolly, and everything in between. When Susan sat at the piano everyone gathered around. Susan was smart, spunky, witty, optimistic, and happy. She loved her family above all else and was her happiest when her whole family could be together. Susan had a special bond with each of her nieces and nephews and they adored her. Susan inspired a love of music in her nieces and nephews, giving many of them their first instruments. In addition to her family, Susan’s friends were extremely important to her. She was generous and loyal, a loving and devoted friend. Her passing creates a hole in the heart of those who were touched by her. After obtaining her master's degree in neuropsychology, Susan enjoyed a brilliant career that spanned over 50 years. From her initial work with developmentally disabled children, Susan's career weaved its way into aeromedical neuropsychology, which she loved and which brought her great satisfaction and fulfillment. Susan loved the ocean, travel, adventure, horses, and especially her German Shepherd rescues, Spirit and Gunnar. She loved people and she loved life. Susan was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Betty Reda, and her brother, Kenneth Reda. Susan is survived by her sisters, Diana Larson (John), of Pasadena, CA; Linda Reda, of Hackettstown, NJ; Patricia Reda, of Edgewood, NM; and Darlene Bourquin (Mark), of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; as well as her loyal and devoted best friend, Karen Yaap, of Atlanta, GA. Susan is also survived by her nieces and nephews, John Larson (Undral), Carrie Campos (Jim), Eric Larson (Kiki), Jeffrey DiVietro (Marla), Susie DiVietro (Joe Grillo), Felipe Reda, Alison Rose (Kenny), Patrick Reda, Kelsey Bourquin, and Skyler Bourquin; her grandnieces and grandnephew, Decker and Arden Campos, Alexandra Larson, Sophie and Ruby DiVietro, and Leon and Noelle Rose. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at Southern Cremation and Funerals, 1861 Dallas Highway SW, Marietta, GA 30064, (770) 637-1486. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1406 Hearst Dr NE, Atlanta GA 30319.