May 4, 2016 –

Longtime resident and former “first lady” of Brentwood, Susan R. Wright, died Wednesday, May 4, at Creve Coeur Assisted Living in St. Louis. Her husband, former mayor Edward T. Wright, died in 2007 in Florida. She moved back to St. Louis a few months after his death to be closer to family.

Born in 1924 in Warren, Ohio, Susan walked off the stage of her high school graduation and boarded a train for St. Louis and Principia College. There she met her pal and lifelong love, Ed. While he was stationed in India and Burma during World War II, they kept up quite a correspondence, though always insisting that they were “just pals.” Shortly after returning to Principia, Ed realized he wanted this pal to be his wife and they were married in the chapel at Principia College in June 1946.

Ed and Sue had a wonderful 64-year marriage that was filled with adventure and achievement. Though Ed received most of the public acclaim as a lawyer, police judge, mayor, writer and softball player, Susan was right beside him as a partner and inspiration every step of the way. Whether it was working on a PTA activity, attending Brentwood Garden Club meetings or lounging at the Brentwood Swim Club, Susan kept busy and well-known in Brentwood.

It also helped to have five active kids: Carol Jean, Ed Jr., Joan, Dory and Jeff. All five were able to visit Susan in the last weeks of her life and are grateful to have had the opportunity to talk and laugh with her one more time. Susan was an actress for many years on the community theater stage but her starring role was as a mom to those kids.

For her love and guidance and dedication to what was right for her family and the world, we will forever be grateful.

Susan is survived by her brother, Wilmer Rehr III; her five children Carol Wright Hotchkiss Taylor (Richard), Ed Wright, Jr. (Joanne Sivier), Joan Wright Lonnemann (Henry), Dory Wright Smith (Blair) and Jeff Wright (Sandie); 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her loving cats Xei-Xei Ni and Snow Paws, aka Polly. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, parents Wilmer and Pauline Rehr, and sisters Inga Rehr Cushman and Reba Rehr Lisle.

The family thanks Hospice Services and staff members of Creve Coeur Assisted Living for the loving care provided to Mom in her last months.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Susan’s name to Principia College in Elsah, Illinois 62028; Durango Adaptive Sports Association, 125 E. 32nd Street, Durango, Colorado 81301; and the Wildlife Fund or your favorite animal charity.

Susan’s remains were cremated and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.