Sue M. Riordan, 89, of Dennis, MA formerly of Abington and Nokomis, FL passed away on Wednesday, December 1st surrounded by her children. She was the devoted wife of the late John (Jack) Riordan, the loving mother of Mark Riordan and his wife Ann, of Hanover, Sue Ann Hurley and her husband Jack, of Kingston, Jeanne Riordan of Dennis, Jack Riordan and his wife Linda, of Kingston, Debbie Wright and her husband RD, of Roanoke VA, and Dan Riordan and Nancy Gervasi of Rockland. She was predeceased by her cherished daughter Cathy Riordan and daughter-in-law Lynda (Webb) Riordan. She is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren whom she adored, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Sue was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary (Augenti) DiStefano both of whom emigrated from Italy. She was preceded in death by her loving sister, June.
Sue was born on February 23, 1932, in Brockton, MA where she was raised and educated. She graduated from Brockton High School in 1949 and went on to secretarial school. Sue developed a love of art and painting at a young age, and quickly showed her gift with a brush. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life Jack, upon his college graduation in June of 1953, they lived in Brockton and Norfolk, VA before settling in Abington to raise their seven children. A devout catholic, Sue was a member of St. Bridget’s Parish and the Ladies Sodality, along with various community organizations. She took night classes at Harvard and Bridgewater Universities. Sue became interested in modeling and before long opened the popular La Femmina Modeling School and Agency in Abington. Over the next twenty-five years, Sue’s business grew to ten La Femmina modeling schools throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. She had a profound influence on thousands of young women through her goal of building self-esteem and confidence. In addition to being a successful businesswoman, she was also a well-known fashion coordinator, commentator, and pageant coordinator.
Upon retirement, Sue and Jack spent many wonderful years at their homes in Cape Cod and Florida, where they welcomed many friends and family. She loved to entertain guests and was an amazing cook. They loved traveling and enjoyed vacations with dear friends and family. In retirement Sue also rediscovered the joy of painting and became a well-known area artist, working with oils, pastels, and watercolors. Sue painted over 300 incredible watercolors inspired by her family, her favorite scenes of Florida and Cape Cod, and her travels. She sold many pieces at art shows but was just as happy gifting them to family and friends. Always having the most generous heart, she wanted them to be enjoyed by all. Sue was a member of the Cape Cod Art Association, Yarmouth Art Guild, and Venice Art Guild in Florida.
The impact of Sue’s life on those who knew her will be a lasting gift. Her external beauty aside, she spread kindness, generosity, grace, and love to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her large loving family especially her children and grandchildren who knew her as “Nonnie”.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021, at 10:30 AM at St. Bonaventure Parish in Manomet, MA, followed by a private burial at the Massachusetts National Veteran’s Cemetery, in Bourne. A celebration of Sue’s life will take place immediately following at a location to be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sue’s name to the Yarmouth Art Guild, Annual Scholarship fund P.O. Box 235 So. Yarmouth, MA 02664.