Obituary of Susan Morton

MORTON, Dr. Susan Ellen, of Ringwood passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 7. Wife of J. Thomas "Tom" Morton since 1972, Susan was born in Jersey City and raised in East Brunswick. She graduated from Grove City College. In 1975, Tom and Sue built a home in Ringwood, where they started their family and have resided ever since. A career educator, Susan completed two masters and a doctoral degree and enjoyed teaching positions in West Milford and Ringwood. In 1994, Susan was hired as Principal of Wesley D. Tisdale Elementary School in Ramsey, a position she held and loved for eighteen years. Characterized as the "teacher's teacher," Dr. Morton built her outstanding reputation as a mentor and leader based on a commitment to, and passion for, academic excellence. A loving, nurturing, supportive wife and mother, each of Susan's daughters shares her love of learning, travel, laughter, and family. As friends and family well know, her ability to bring people together and make all feel welcome was a trademark. Susan is survived by husband, Tom; daughters, Rebecca Morton, Alison Auteri, and Lindsay Montagna; son-in-laws Angelo Auteri and Jeff Montagna; siblings Donald Gudaitis, Karen Alfieri, and Christine Gudaitis; nieces Holly Parsons, Jessica Gourlay, and nephew John Gourlay. She is predeceased by her parents, Donald and Ellen and her nephew, Patrick. In accordance with Dr. Morton's request, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Susan Morton Honorary Scholarship Fund, Wesley D. Tisdale School PTO, 200 Island Avenue, Ramsey, NJ 07446, which will be presented annually to a high school senior and Tisdale graduate with an outstanding academic record and interest in a career in education. Memorial contributions may also be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, NJ 07601. Visiting hours will be Friday, August 10, from 2-4:30pm and 7-9pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, August 11, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 17 Pompton Avenue, Pompton Lakes.