M. Susan Klotz

West Boylston-M. Susan (Monahan) Klotz, 83, passed away Friday, Sept. 5 in UMASS Medical Center. 

Her husband of 42 years, Melvin Klotz passed away in 2007. She leaves two sons, Mark and his wife Michelle Klotz of West Boylston and Sean Klotz of Waltham. 

She also leaves six grandchildren; Dara Michelle, Sierra and her husband Nathan Spinney, Mia, Emma, Eva, and Ella and a great grandchild, Lennon Spinney. She was born in Boston, daughter of James and Muriel (Reardon) Monahan. Susan was a proud graduate of UMass Boston, where she earned her degree in education and began a lifelong calling to teach. She dedicated her career to educating the children of Peabody, approaching every classroom with patience, humor, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Often drawn to students others found “difficult,” Susan took the time to understand their stories, seeing past challenges to uncover their strengths. To her, no child was ever truly difficult, just someone waiting to be understood. 

Compassionate by nature and fearless in spirit, Susan never shied away from being different. Mornings often began with rock and roll blaring through the house usually The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other classics. That same music poured from her beloved Mustang convertible as she picked up her grandchildren, a tradition they grew to treasure as they got older, the soundtrack to countless happy memories. 

Beyond the classroom, Susan found great joy in sports. She loved teaching her grandchildren to play tennis, sharing both skill and laughter on the court. She rarely missed a Boston Red Sox or New England Patriots game and proudly cheered for the University of Alabama, bringing her signature enthusiasm to every play. Above all, Susan’s life was defined by love — for her family, her students, and the world around her. Her kindness, curiosity, and courage to live life her own way will remain an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know her. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the More Than Words non-profit or the National Kidney Foundation.