Susan S. (Funk) Daniels

Susan Sydney Daniels, born Susan Joanne Funk, died peacefully on Sunday, February 5th, 2023. Born in Oakland, California on May 20, 1944, Susan spent her early career as an actress in San Francisco and Los Angeles. She was happiest skipping rope and singing songs as the original Patty in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Her acting adventures on stage and TV commercials led to her lifelong passion for learning about screenwriting, directing, and the film industry, with a strong focus on the portrayal of women and the need for strong female protagonists. Susan was a feminist, a strong advocate for creative arts education, and equal opportunities for girls, which she demonstrated through the educational opportunities she provided for her only daughter. Susan was a perpetual student and avid reader, always seeking new knowledge and experience. She appreciated beauty in gardens and in art, and found peace in creating art herself. In her later life, Susan found great joy in spending time with her two grandsons, who knew her as “Namma.” She would spend countless hours building blocks, playing with cars, learning about dinosaurs, playing games, or following in whatever direction her little buddies wanted to take her. She also imparted her love of reading to them as she was always up for a snuggle and a book with her boys.

Susan is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mason Mitchell-Daniels and Craig Stryker of Newburyport, MA, and her two grandsons, Jackson and Bennett. 

Remembrance ceremony will be private. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Ms. Daniels’ family with her arrangements. 

In honor of Susan’s passion for women’s rights and education that recognizes the power of creative expression, please consider making a donation to Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org) or her grandsons’ public charter school foundation, River Valley Charter School Foundation (www.rivervalleycharter.org/donate).

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com