Susan Ellen Waters, 61, of Dartmouth passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Col. Herbert R. Waters, Jr. and the late Mary C. (Daluz) Waters.

Sue was a graduate of Dartmouth High School, where she excelled in both academics and sports. She earned six varsity letters as part of Dartmouth High's Indoor and Outdoor Track team, participating in the 100m, 200m, and Long Jump. Sue was also an accomplished flutist and an integral part of Dartmouth High's National Champion marching band which performed during the Winter Olympic Games at Lake Placid in 1980.

Sue earned a full scholarship to Providence College in Rhode Island. A proud PC Friar, she then graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1989 earning a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Teaching is a Waters' family commitment which "Susie" embraced wholeheartedly. Like her grandmother, Jane, father Dr. Bert Waters, and aunts Leola and Lorraine before her, educating our youth became Sue's lifelong passion. She was twice nominated as "Teacher of the Year" in her Florida School District, winning once. Sue's desire to reach under served communities led her to teach in the Southwest, as part of the Navajo Nation educational system. She returned home to finish her teaching career as part of the Rhode Island public school system before retiring.

Sue was a proud member of the Wampanoag Nation. She took pride in designing her own Native American jewelry and regalia. As a Women's Traditional Eastern dancer, Sue also participated in powwows regularly throughout MA, RI, CT and NY, always alongside her dad. She was awarded as one of the top dancers in her category at Schemitzun, one of the nation's largest powwows. 

An avid fan of music, Susie could be found at concerts dancing to the sounds of Cape Verdean, classic rock, R&B, reggae, Christian and pop artists alike. She regularly attended the Christian Fellowship Center on Church Street in New Bedford, where she loved to worship and learn about the Lord.

Sue is survived by her brother, Chris Waters and his wife Paula; her brother Mark Waters; her nephews, Pedro, Herbie Ray, and Brandon; her beloved first cousins, Andrea, Tessa, Stephanie, Tobey, Fee, Nina, Tony "Pook", Robert, John, Paul "DJ", Chuck S., Harry, Jodi, Allison, Monica, Shelly, Robyn, Chuck J., Karen, Nancy, Jane, and Mandred; and many beloved second and third cousins as well. 

Susan was preceded in death by her brothers, Col. Herbert R. Waters, III and Lt. Michael C. Waters (Daluz).

Her funeral will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Julie Billiart Church. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, March 11th from 4-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue's memory may be made to the Martha Briggs Educational Club, P.O. Box 6248, New Bedford, MA 02742. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.