Susan J. Schwager

Nov 8, 2022

Susan J. Schwager of Marion, Mass and St. Augustine, FL passed away peacefully on November 1, 2022.

Susan leaves her husband and best friend of 50 years Stephen Carnazza and sons Kyle of Marion and Nicholas of Rochester.

She was predeceased by her only sibling Linda Hettel.

She was born to Herman 'Bud' Schwager and Alene Clayberg, in Auburn, Mass. She grew up in a household where frugality was the norm and became standard practice in her own Schwager/Carnazza house.

Susan was one of the pioneers of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, always enjoying the challenge.

Susan graduated from Auburn High 1970, New England College 1973. She started her professional career with The State of Massachusett Social Services as the Assistant Director of Training.

She became the Director of the Marion Council on Aging, expanding the limited services to the present day Senior Center. She retired in 2015 to enjoy life and traveling.

Susan loved the outdoors, from tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, walking many trails and beaches with her friends to sunset sails on SUE SEA.

Her love for travel, took her to many countries from New Zealand to Scotland. She traveled throughout the US, visiting the many National Parks. One of her favorite trips was rafting the Colorado River with her family and friends.

Susan was an avid tennis player, very proficient at hitting the ball where her opponents were not. Who
coined the phrase “You've been Schwagered.”

She was the Tennis Coach at Bishop Stang HS, member of the Sippican Tennis Club, Marion Indoor Club, and Marsh Creek Tennis Club.

She played USTA Team Competition and on many southcoast travel teams.

Susan was very active in Marion, a board member of VASE, Coastline Elderly, Life Stream Independent Living, Marion Cultural Council and was a Trustee of the Elizabeth Taber Library.

For over 20 years, with her two friends, she organized the donated books for the Annual Library Book Sale. She raised thousands of dollars annually and it supplied a steady stream of books for Susan to read.

She was named Woman of the Year by The New Bedford Standard Times. In addition to husband and sons, she is survived by her brother and sister in-laws Jim and Cory Carnazza of Edgartown and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Marion Council on Aging's Emergency Fund.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on November 20 at 12 p.m. at the Tabor's Wickenden Chapel on Spring St. in Marion, followed by a friendship gathering at the Marion Council on Aging Hall.