Susan Joy (Perry) Rock

COLUMBIANA – Susan Joy (Perry) Rock went to be with the Lord Monday, April 22, 2024. She was born December 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, Ohio 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 later.

Susan requested that those who wish to honor her life, donate to: YWCA Camp Hochelaga, 34 Hochelaga Rd., South Hero, VT 05486, or Christ the Cornerstone Church, 5545 62nd Ave., North Pinellas Park, FL 33781.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Susan’s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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