Susan R. Woodward

Susan “Sue” Rayne Woodward, age 85, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 8, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Theodore Robert Woodward, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Sue was the daughter of the late George and Violet Fassett. She grew up alongside her two sisters, Doranne Easler and Georgia Brutscher, on Nine Gates Road in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Sue graduated from Kennett High School and earned her undergraduate degree from Lake Erie College. She later received her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

A dedicated educator, Sue taught at Unionville High School from 1974 until her retirement in 1999. She began her teaching career in English before transitioning to Advanced Placement Economics. Throughout her 25 years at Unionville, she took great pride in educating and inspiring generations of students. Her commitment to education continued after retirement when she served for several years as Executive Director of After-The-Bell, an after-school enrichment program for students at Kennett Middle School.

Sue was a lifelong member of the Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, where her faith and friendships were an important part of her life.

An avid reader with a sharp mind and a lifelong love of learning, Sue remained remarkably active and independent throughout her later years. She continued to live on her own, drive, participate in her book club, play bridge, attend Friday night dinners with a group of high school friends, and enjoy games of Rumicube and Canasta with her sisters and close friends.

Sue had a lifelong love of horses, and she spent many years riding and caring for them on the farm she shared with Bob.

She also loved her daily word puzzles, frequently achieving the “Genius” level but believing that trying to be “Queen Bee” was a waste of time! She cherished frequent dinners and outings with her sons and their families, her friendships, and the many activities that kept her engaged with the people and community she loved.

One of Sue’s trademarks was her extraordinary thoughtfulness. If someone mentioned needing or wanting something, Sue made it her personal mission to find it for them—and to do so immediately. Her family learned to be careful about casually mentioning something they wanted, because Sue would be on a mission to get it before they knew it. That same generous spirit was evident each Christmas, when she spent days baking her famous Christmas cookies to share with more than a dozen family members and friends.

Above all else, family was the center of Sue’s life. She was a loving and devoted mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took tremendous pride in her family. She especially treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her. Sue will be remembered for her sharp mind, remarkable independence, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She had a special way of making the people around her feel loved and cared for, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Sue is survived by her two sons, Timothy Rayne and his wife, Amee, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Stephen Rayne and his wife, Lisa, of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Sierra Rayne Mills and her husband, Wesley; Mac Rayne, Joshua Rayne, and Matthew Rayne; her great-granddaughter, Mia Mills; and her sisters, Doranne Easler and Georgia Brutscher. 

Sue is also survived by her three stepdaughters, Laurie Newell and her husband, Keith, of Hillsborough, North Carolina; Leslie Reiling of Ranger, Georgia; and Susan Christie and her husband, Erik, of Hampstead, North Carolina; as well as her grandchildren, Ryan Reiling, Bret Reiling, Jeffrey Newell, Caleb Newell, Andrew Newell, and Peter Newell; and great-grandchildren, Noa Grace Newell, Jonathan Newell, and Joshua Newell. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kennett Library in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, in honor of Sue’s lifelong love of reading, learning, and her community, or to the Church of the Advent where she worshiped all her life. www.adventks.org/giving

You are invited to visit with Sue's family and friends from 3:00 - 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Her memorial service will follow at 4:00 PM. Interment will be held privately. 

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view Sue's online obituary and leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.