Susanna Opper ’62

Susanna Opper ’62, of Alford, Mass.; Jul. 16, of ovarian cancer. She had been one of the early woman reporters at the Brown Daily Herald. After graduation, a career in magazine writing followed at Time Life prior to transitioning to corporate communications at Federated Department Stores, Exxon, and BankBoston. She cowrote Technology for Teams: Enhancing Productivity in Networked Organizations. After she met her future husband at a Brown reunion, they married and together founded Southern Berkshires Toastmasters Club in 1997. Susanna also cofounded Berkshire Entrepreneurs Network, helping the growth of small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. In 2003 she created Shawenon Communication. She volunteered with Hospice Care of the Berkshires. For four years she worked at Villages of the Berkshires as chair of the Sage Committee, enabling people to age in their own homes. She enjoyed interviewing Brown applicants and being in the outdoors. She hiked and skied until just two years ago. She is survived by her husband, Will Ryan ’62; two stepsons; a step-daughter-in-law; three grandchildren; and two great-
granddaughters.