1934-2026
Suzanne Marie Ryder (Cummings), 91, died peacefully Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at her home at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon, PA. She was born on August 14, 1934 in Bradford, PA, the daughter of Patrick Gerald (Jerry) Cummings and Genevieve Madonna Cummings (Mannion). She graduated from Olean High School in 1952.
She married Robert John Ryder June 19, 1954 and spent the first six years of their marriage in State College, PA while he finished his graduate studies. From there they moved to Brockway, PA where they raised their family. They resided in the Brockway/DuBois area until 2020 when they moved to North Huntingdon to be closer to their children.
Suzanne dedicated her entire life to raising her children and building a strong family that has always been there for each other. She loved attending all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities from sports to chorus concerts, piano and dance recitals. She had high expectations of her children and instilled responsibility in all of them. She was a quiet, small woman with a strong will and an unwavering determination. She was the pillar of strength for her family through some of life’s most difficult moments. For her youngest daughter she was a fierce advocate for education and inclusion for those with disabilities. Her advocacy allowed her daughter to graduate from high school and college and build an independent life. More importantly, she instilled these same values in all of her children allowing them to build on the strong foundation she laid.
Suzanne loved reading, playing the piano and listening to all kinds of music. She enjoyed bridge club with the ladies and going to dinner with special couples. Some of her best family memories revolved around summers at Emerald Isle and Christmas gatherings.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband Robert John Ryder, her daughters Lynn Suzanne Baker and Anne Marie Riccardi, her grandson Brian Robert White, Jr., and her brother James Craig Cummings. She is survived by her son Robert Cummings Ryder (Kathy), and daughters Catherine Mary White (Brian) and Christine Elizabeth Ryder; and her son-in-law Donald Riccardi. She is also survived by grandchildren Keri Cavanaugh (Scott), Kristofer Porter (Myungsun Jang), Jessica Lynn Ryder, Robert Raymond Ryder and Andrew Patrick Ryder, Joseph Lawrence Beighey, Jonathan Robert White (Julia), Tyler Ryder White (Allison) and Molly Elizabeth White; and great grandchildren Hailey and Ethan Cavanaugh, Elliott Hyeonjun Porter, and Hallie Rose and Camryn Jane White; and also by in-laws Maryanna Farrell (Charles), Douglas Ryder (Nancy) and Ruth Ryder-Rude; & their children.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Tobias Catholic Church in Brockway, PA at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 with Msgr. Charles Kaza presiding. Visitation will be held prior to mass at the Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, also on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Burial will follow in St. Tobias Cemetery. A special thanks to Joseph F. Ott Funeral Home, North Huntingdon, PA for their assistance with funeral arrangements.
For those wishing to do so, memorial donations may be made to St. Tobias Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.
