Susan Frances (Neil) French, age 81, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Susan was born February 15, 1945, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Helen Agnes (Rykowski) Neil and William Russell Neil.
She is survived by her beloved sister, Shelley Erdman, with whom she shared a lifelong bond filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Raised in Connecticut,
Susan graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class and went on to attend the University of Connecticut. She was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and her faith in God remained a steadfast pillar and guiding force throughout her life.
Susan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. James Bowling French, with whom she shared a life of devotion, partnership, and enduring love. Above all, Susan was a devoted mother and grandmother, and a steady, loving presence in the lives of her children: John Henry Carrozza, Jr.; Anne Michele (Carrozza) Lilly and her spouse
John N. Lilly III; Richard James French and his spouse Amanda French; grandchildren: Mia Lilly, Gunner Lilly, Christian French, and Natalie French. She was also a caring and supportive stepmother to James B. French, Jr. and Tricia (French) Schmidt, embracing them with the same warmth and compassion that defined her role as a parent.
Her family was her greatest pride and deepest joy, and she treasured every moment spent together - from simple daily conversations to holiday gatherings that filled her home with laughter. Susan will be remembered for her wit and wisdom, her sense of humor, her fun-loving spirit, and her attentive, compassionate ear. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and understood, and her home was often a place of comfort, connection, and celebration. Her legacy lives on in her children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, in the values she instilled, and in the countless memories shared by family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 pm Friday, March 6, 2026, at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel in Gainesville, Ga. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel with interment to follow in Alta Vista Cemetery.
Complete obituary to be announced by Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. For online www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
For viewing on livestream https://www.facebook.com/Memorialparknorth
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Susan Frances (Neil) French, please visit our floral store.