Susie Ingrao, a beloved wife, nurse, and friend, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, October 3, 2025. She was only 61 years old.

Susie was born in Walnut Creek, California, the daughter of John and Wanda Swanson. She grew up in Walnut Creek until her teenage years, when the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, following her father’s job opportunity. Twin Falls was a quiet agricultural community, on the Snake River. It was a big change from the California lifestyle, but Susie adjusted quickly and made lifelong friendships there. She graduated from Twin Falls High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from the College of Southern Idaho.

Susie was always up for an adventure. After graduating from nursing school, she left her small Idaho hometown and headed to Dallas, Texas, where she began her nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit of a Dallas hospital. It was there that she met her next door neighbor who became her future husband, Carl, who was originally from Massachusetts. They began dating in 1989, moved to Massachusetts in 1990, and were married in Antigua on May 17, 1991. Susie loved to reminisce about how they had so little when they married—Susie had a simple but elegant Laura Ashley wedding dress. Carl had to borrow a tuxedo jacket from a hotel waiter, and the dishwasher served as their wedding videographer. But that never stopped Susie and Carl from following their dreams together.

Susie had a wonderful and fulfilling career as a registered nurse, spanning from her early days working in the ICU unit in Texas to her decades in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, she first worked at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Lowell as an Emergency Room nurse, where she gained invaluable experience and countless memorable moments. She later became a surgical nurse at the Boston Center for Ambulatory Surgery, where she worked for 15 years, and finished her career as a nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital in Lexington for 17 years.

Her greatest reward came from making a positive difference in patients’ lives—providing care and comfort during their most vulnerable times. While doctors focused on procedures, Susie focused on people. She was the comforting presence who answered questions, held hands, and offered a warm smile that reassured everyone that things would be all right. She loved working alongside her fellow nurses, doctors, and staff, fostering both professional excellence and a joyful, compassionate work environment.

When you talk about Susie, you also have to talk about Carl—her husband, best friend, and soulmate. They were true partners in life. When Carl and Susie decided to buy Four Seasons Gun Shop in Woburn in 1995, Susie worked two jobs to support them while they got the business off the ground. She had an entrepreneurial spirit from the start and wholeheartedly encouraged Carl to pursue their dream. She even worked in the shop on her days off. Together, they also invested in properties—Susie always took charge of the decorating, bringing her creative touch to each one.

For the past 23 years, Susie and Carl cherished their second home in Falmouth, one of Susie’s favorite places. She loved walking along Surf Drive Beach or spending the day in the sun with a good book. The couple shared a love for travel—exploring Europe, visiting destinations across the United States, and escaping to Florida for winter vacations. Susie never turned down an adventure; all she needed was an invitation or suggestion, and she’d have her bags packed in no time.

What made Susie so special was her warmth, vibrancy, and kindness. She made everyone feel appreciated, welcomed, and loved. Even during her illness, she never complained, facing each challenge with grace and positivity. She was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain—her holiday prime rib roast was legendary. Everything she did, she did with her signature sense of style. She wouldn’t leave her home unless her hair, makeup, and outfit were perfect. She was a princess, and Carl was her “Prince Charming”.

It is with heavy hearts that her family and friends cope with Susie’s passing. She was a bright and shining star who brought joy, love, and light into every life she touched. Susie was an incredible woman—kind, elegant, and full of life—and she will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Susie was the beloved wife of 34 years of Carl.  She was the loving daughter of the late John and Wanda Swanson.  She was the sister of the late Jeffrey Swanson.  She was the sister-in-law of Walter and Linda Ingrao of Hingham. Her lifelong friend Gerry Fitzgerald from Eden, Idaho and countless friends that she made along the way who loved her.  She always had pets that she lovingly cared for over her lifetime including her beloved dog, Sophie, who was always at her side during her illness, giving her comfort. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, October 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Thursday, October 9 at 9 a.m.

 Services will conclude with a Funeral Mass at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. 

 For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net