Susan Stokes Shuwall, 92, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Putnam Farm in Danvers. Susan, the only child of the late John Wesley and Margaret (Squibb) Stokes, was born on March 25, 1934, in Bronxville, NY. The family moved to Westport, CT where Susan attended Staples High School. She graduated in 1954 from Bradford Junior College, where she excelled studying music and was the President of the Glee Club. She then attended the Katherine Gibbs School, which equipped her with excellent typing, organizational, and steno skills. Utilizing her newly acquired proficiency, she was employed by the Curtis Publishing Company in the Ladies Home Journal department and then by Dean Griswald, the Dean of Harvard Law School.
Always well put together, usually sporting bright colors, complete with lipstick and a strand of pearls, Susan caught the eye of Paul Shuwall at a party in Cambridge. They married in November 1957 and moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea, which remained her home for over 60 years. Up until the birth of her first daughter, Susan worked at Crocker’s Boatyard, keeping their books, a position she would later fill for the Manchester Yacht Club as a part-time job when all three daughters were in full-day school. The Manchester Yacht Club also became the hub of their social life—sailing, frost-biting races, and summer cruises—there she met many lifelong friends.
Susan’s role as mother of three girls was something she took very seriously and excelled at. While driving endless carpools, cheering from sidelines of athletic fields, and sending care packages, she managed and organized the household, making it look so easy.
Susan held numerous volunteer positions at The Boston Symphony, St. John’s and Emmanuel churches, and the girls’ schools, among others. Each summer she provisioned the boat and packed everyone up to go cruising for the entire month of August. Having sailed during her childhood, she was an excellent First Mate for Paul throughout their nearly 60 years of marriage.
Not satisfied mothering just three human children, Susan oversaw the birth of 52 kittens from a single prolific mother cat, Tulip. The progeny of Tulip supplied most of the North Shore with a family cat.
Later, the arrival of 4 grandchildren gave much pleasure to “Nini”, who knitted beautiful baby blankets and sweaters for them and showered them with love and books.
An effortless hostess and gourmet cook, Susan could whip up amazing dishes, on land and at sea. A small galley and an icebox could not hinder her cooking in the least. The Shuwall Christmas party became a not-to-be-missed event with elaborate spreads of homemade delicacies. Her blueberry crumble and Key lime pie are family favorites to this day.
Tennis was another passion Susan held dear. She could be found on the grass courts at Essex County Club for “Ladies Tennis” every week. When she no longer was able to play, watching the Tennis Channel was her favorite pastime.
She also demonstrated her competitive streak by playing bridge, Words with Friends, card games, and Scrabble. In retirement, Susan and Paul played daily fierce matches of Scrabble, frequently trouncing their offspring with clever play and resourceful spellings.
Paul introduced Susan to skiing, which – after a time – became a lifelong love. Especially when she discovered that Cannon Mountain’s blue ice was not the only surface on which you could ski. In fact, Western ski slopes offered powder, a new concept to the East Coast skier. She and Paul celebrated their shared birthday weeks for many years skiing magical Utah snow.
A worldwide traveler, Susan’s prolific postcards and photo albums chronicled their extensive travels. In retirement, they explored the world, on both charter boats and cruise ships. Virgin Gorda, BVI, became their favorite escape for thirteen winters.
Susan and her optimistic attitude toward life, which she described as “just nifty” when questioned, will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Susan was predeceased by her husband, Paul D. Shuwall. She is survived by her three daughters: Margaret Briggs and husband Adam of MBTS, and their children, Benjamin and Timothy; Meredith Pasquesi and husband John, of Woodside, CA and MBTS and their children, Teddy and Nina; and Georgia Stokes of Boise, ID.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Church, 24 Masconomo St, Manchester, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cape Ann Symphony, PO Box 1343, Gloucester, MA 01930 with “In memory of Susan Shuwall” on the memo line; if donating online, please select “In memory of” and enter her name.
For online condolences, please visit www.campbellfuneral.com.
