NELSONVILLE, Ohio – Susan Kay Nolan, age 80, of Nelsonville, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born April 7, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She lived a life defined by her deep faith in God, devotion to her family, passion for teaching, love of adventure, and genuine care for others.
At the center of Susan’s life was her family. She shared 59 years of marriage with her loving husband, Michael Nolan, and together they built a family that grew to include three children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She had a tenderness and affection for those around her that made people feel truly cared for and loved.
Susan’s faith in God was the foundation of her life — not simply something she believed, but something she lived, trusting deeply in God and seeking to reflect His love in the way she treated others. Her testimony of faith and the example she set will remain an important part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Teaching was Susan’s lifelong calling. She earned her undergraduate degree in education at Ohio University and began a career that would span more than five decades. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Reading Education and a Ph.D. in Reading and Language Arts from Ohio University, where she later served as a Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education — preparing future teachers while continuing to work directly with children who struggled with reading. Through the children she taught, the teachers she trained, and the future educators she instructed, Susan’s life’s work had a profound and lasting impact on countless students, families, and communities.
Susan had an extraordinary zest for life, and age was never a limitation that crossed her mind. She was skiing on the slopes earlier this year and tubing behind a boat just two years ago. She enjoyed hiking through the woods and was always willing to pick up a chainsaw to cut her own firewood. Anyone who knew her knew how determined she was to get in her daily steps — she believed in continuing to move and lived her life to the fullest.
Through it all, Susan loved to laugh. Her sense of humor, her willingness to try almost anything, and her ability to find fun in life brought warmth and joy to those around her. Her youthful spirit and enthusiasm for life made her seem forever young.
Susan is survived by her husband of 59 years, Michael Nolan; her three children, Amy (Dave) Hurd, Matthew (Robyn) Nolan, and Adam (Christine) Nolan; her grandchildren, who all knew her as “Nanny”: David (Shellie) Hurd, Aaron (Annie) Hurd, Holly (Cesar) Orozco, Hannah Nolan, Jake Nolan, Leah Nolan, Ella Nolan, Reese Nolan, Sophie Nolan, and Aiden Nolan; four great-grandchildren, David Hurd IV, Heidi Hurd, Sandie Hurd, and Margot Hurd, who brought her tremendous joy; and her brother, Jim (Annette) Jones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Dorothy Jones; her brother, David Jones; and her sisters, Maryann Mlsna and Joanne Miller.
Susan will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, woman of faith, and friend. She taught through the way she lived — to have faith, to care for others, to keep learning, to keep moving, to laugh often, and never to let age keep you from an opportunity for adventure.
A private family service will be held to honor Susan’s life. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to do something kind for someone else, reach out to a loved one, or support someone in need.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Susan Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in her memory to help children with dyslexia access the educational resources and support they need. Contributions may be made at Farmers Bank in Nelsonville (9 W. Columbus St, Nelsonville, OH 45764).