Susan Lowy, a beloved educator, writer, volunteer, and community leader, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 74. Her life was a testament to the quiet strength of service, the power of education, and the joy of meaningful connection.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts, on April 15, 1951, Susan was the daughter of Dr. Louis Lowy, a respected professor of Gerontology at Boston University. Inspired by a lifelong love of learning, she graduated from Boston University with a double major in German and Education, later earning a Master's in Education while teaching middle school in Billerica, Massachusetts, where she nurtured the minds and hearts of her students for six years.
After moving to Washington, D.C., Susan transitioned into contract writing, developing training programs and later serving as President of a local ESL training program. It was in D.C. that she met Rob Harlan, a commercial airline pilot, during a cruise along the Potomac River. Their shared love of biking, boating, and travel led to a beautiful partnership that lasted the rest of her life.
Following Rob's retirement from PanAm and Delta in 1998, the couple moved to Florida. Susan worked for Goodwill Industries for 25 years, developing impactful educational content and supporting workforce development initiatives. In retirement, she remained deeply engaged in service, volunteering at Spanish Pointe, Selby Library, the Senior Friendship Center, the Caring Collective Board, and serving on numerous committees at Plymouth Harbor. She was also recognized as the Conservation Partner of the Year by the Big Waters Land Trust.
Susan gave generously to her local community-serving as President of her condominium association for 14 years and as an active member of the Bird Key Yacht Club where she enjoyed the boating cruises and outings. She and Rob continued their shared passion for exploring bike trails across Florida and the Eastern United States, always finding beauty in the journey together. She was an avid kayaker and boater. She loved the outdoors.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband and life partner, Rob Harlan; stepdaughter Christian Segall; stepson Lew Segall; grandchildren Scott, Sawyer, and Garnett Segall; her brother Peter Lowy; sister-in-law Linda Lowy; and nieces Nina and Erica Lowy.
A celebration of Susan's life will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in MacNeil Chapel at Plymouth Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Goodwill Industries, or the Big Waters Land Trust in Susan's honor.
Condolences may be sent to Rob Harlan T614.
