Susan Ellen O’Leary- age 82, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2026, following complications from surgery.

Born on July 9, 1943, in Winthrop, MA, to John E. and Mary Gertrude McFarland, Susan was the eldest of seven children and was raised in North Reading, MA. A 1961 graduate of North Reading High School where she was voted “Most Popular” by her classmates.  She earned her associate degree and worked as a dental assistant before discovering her professional passion in the antiques business. Her career spanned 58 years, beginning with weekend shows in 1967 and including participation in hundreds of events and memberships in numerous antique shops. A significant highlight was hosting her successful annual “Homeworks” antique show from her home in Andover. Susan had many mentors in her Antique circles, as her success and longevity furthered, she took great pride in sharing her expertise by becoming a mentor herself to many younger dealers in the business until her retirement in October 2025.

Susan married the love of her life, Thomas J. O’Leary Jr. also from North Reading Ma, in July 1967.  At this time Thomas was a Lieutenant in the US Army stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. Susan was named “Mrs. Lieutenant 1967 of Fort Meade” for her dedicated volunteer work in the dental clinic. Their eldest daughter, Meaghan, was born in 1969 in Silver Spring Maryland and the family moved shortly thereafter to Andover, MA, where they raised their three children: Meaghan, Ryan, and Brendan. A deeply caring and incredibly generous mother, Susan was always present for her children, supporting them in every aspect of their lives.

Family was the cornerstone of Susan’s life. One of seven siblings, she ensured her children remained close to their many cousins through countless cookouts and holiday gatherings. Susan took immense pride in the bond her children shared with her beloved nieces and nephews.

Susan and Thomas shared 58 years of marriage, with a love that grew deeper every day. Following Thomas’s retirement in 2003, the couple spent 23 years working together in the antiques business and enjoying life’s “treasure hunts.” They particularly loved “mystery rides,” exploring new roads and yard sales. This sense of adventure continued when they moved to Maine in 2021, a place Susan truly loved. Above all, Susan cherished her four grandchildren—Lucas, Olivia, Ayla, and Dylan—treasuring every moment watching them grow.

Susan is survived by her husband, Thomas; her daughter, Meaghan; her son, Brendan, daughter-in-law Melissa, and their children Ayla and Dylan of Eliot, ME; and her son, Ryan, daughter-in-law Nara, and their children Lucas and Olivia of Salisbury, MA. She is also survived by her siblings: Sandra Skulley, wife of the late William Skulley;Susan McFarland, wife of the late Jack McFarland; George McFarland and his wife Charlene; Mary Russell, wife of the late Douglas Russell; Janet and Steve MacKean; and Robert McFarland. Susan is also survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved greatly.

Services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, MA. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church 63 Winter Street (Rt62) North Reading, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the American Heart Association.

www.CroswellFuneralHome.com