Susan J. Rock 1946-2024

She was born Dec. 2, 1946. Her father, Charles “Charlie” Perry was a pre-med student at the University of Vermont with no access to a car, so he and his wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Thomas Perry walked to the hospital. As they approached the long driveway, they realized Susan was in a hurry to greet the world, so Charlie pushed Dottie up the snowbanks of the steep hill to the back entrance of Mary Fletcher Hospital and then ran to the front of the hospital to get a wheelchair. What a debut!

Susan graduated from Spaulding High School in 1965. She then graduated from the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Susan worked in the dental field throughout her long career. She continued her education, earning a certificate of advanced qualified personnel in dental restoration from The Ohio State University and a bachelor of healthcare administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. At retirement, she was vice president of provider relations for the North American Dental Group, which she co-founded in Boardman, with Ken Cooper.

Susan was outgoing and vivacious, with a sharp intelligence and lively wit. She had an innate capacity for making and keeping lifelong friendships and leaves behind many good friends in Ohio, Florida, Vermont and elsewhere. She credited spending her formative years at Camp Hochelaga in South Hero, Vermont, for her leadership skills, self-confidence and independence. She leaves behind many sustained friendships from those years.

Susan spent 46 years with her partner, Mary Ann Horn. Together they raised Susan’s son, Gregory Rock, and Mary Ann’s children, Chuck Horn and Stacie (Mark) Horn Kucalaba, who have blessed them with six grandchildren: Brittany, Rebecca, Sara and Elisa, Emma and Jacob. Susan also leaves behind her siblings, Chris Perry and his wife, Michal Barquin Perry, Janice Perry and Mark T. Perry.

Heartfelt thanks to dear neighbors and caregivers, Deb Oaks, Pat Windon and Diane Limpach.

A private memorial service for the immediate family will be held at a later date.

(special notice)