Susan S. Gorby

Susan S. Gorby, 79, died peacefully in the early morning of Feb. 6, 2023, surrounded by loving family, in Noblesville, Ind., where she resided.

Mrs. Gorby was a lifelong learner whose love of books, particularly children’s literature and storytelling, inspired her professional and volunteer work in libraries. She held a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration, and in her early career was employed in student counseling services at Ohio Wesleyan University and Indiana University. While raising her two children, she worked at the Michigan City Public Library, and later led a volunteer program to expand library services at Shawmut Hills Elementary School in Grand Rapids, Mich., where her children attended. After a divorce in 1995, she received a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Holistic Health from Western Michigan University, and was the coordinator for the displaced homemaker program at the Women’s Resource Center in Grand Rapids, counseling women seeking to re-enter the workforce unexpectedly after 20 or more years in caregiving roles.

Mrs. Gorby was born Susan Margaret Spiers on Aug. 13, 1943, in Michigan City, Ind., the daughter of the late Albert and Lois (Ericson) Spiers. She met the love of her life, James D. Gorby, of Sparta, Mich., through mutual friends in Grand Rapids. The two married on Sept. 7, 2002, and moved to Clifton, Va. With Mr. Gorby, she discovered a love of world travel and cruising, but her greatest inspiration after retirement was her relationship with her grandchildren, who she said kept her young, active and fearless.

She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, James D. Gorby of Noblesville, Ind.; two children, Christopher (Nikol) Elliott of Sterling, Va., and Katherine Raz (Jem Hilton) of Lakewood, Wash.; three grandsons, Malcolm, Eero, and Remy; sister, Sally Spiers of Indianapolis, Ind.; and a brother, Richard Spiers (Johanna Lewis) of Spartanburg, S.C.; as well as four step children and four step grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 6, 2023 at Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield Rd, Noblesville, Ind., 46062. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Senior Citizens Organization, Inc., 18336 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, Ind. 46060.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park.  Online condolences can shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.