Susan Mary McAvey

Susan M. McAvey (Stapleton)

Susan McAvey (Stapleton) passed away January 13, 2026, at the age of 83. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert. Survived by sons, Patrick McAvey and Dan (Laura) McAvey; grandchildren, Piper, Leo, Teagan, and Eila; siblings Patricia, Nancy, and Michael; and many nieces and nephews.

Sue was born in Bemidji, MN, in 1942 to CL “Pat” and Gladys Stapleton. She graduated from Bemidji High School in 1959 and Bemidji State College in 1963. Sue married Robert McAvey in 1968 and they shared 44 years of marriage and raised two sons together until Robert’s passing in 2013. She was a loving grandparent to four amazing kids.

She spent her career as a teacher in private and public schools in Iowa and Minnesota. She infused her work with passion, care, and large amounts of humor. She retired from teaching at St. Raphael Catholic School, where she taught sixth grade and created a Spanish language program. She brought tremendous joy to her work and cherished the lifelong relationships she maintained with students and colleagues long after they had left her classroom.

Sue was a curious person who loved experiencing other cultures and traveled internationally after her retirement from teaching. Sue had a lifelong commitment to social justice issues and lived in Guatemala for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the 1960s and tutored children through the Isaiah Project after her retirement.

In her later years, Sue developed Alzheimer’s disease. Her bright eyes and warm smile never faded, and she was beloved by the staff and community at Benedictine Senior Living in Osseo, where she spent her final days.

In tangible ways, the world is a warmer, more loving place for having had Sue in it.

Mass of Christian burial at 11 AM Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, 7180 Hemlock Ln N, Maple Grove. Visitation at church from 10-11, luncheon immediately after Mass. Memorials to the Isaiah Project or Alzheimer’s Association preferred.