Dr. Suzanne (Suzy) Marie Royer, age 60, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, after a long courageous battle with Leukemia. She was a resident of Colorado Springs, CO for 39 years and was formerly a resident of Goldens Bridge, N.Y. She was born on July 29, 1961 to the late Angelo V. Alpi and the late Dorothy F. Whalen in Mt. Kisco, N.Y.
After graduating John Jay High School in Cross River N.Y., in 1979, Suzy attended college in N.Y. but discovered her love of the mountains while visiting family in Colorado and transferred to Western State College. It is there that she met the man of her dreams, Joseph N. Royer. They would later marry on March 23, 1985. Suzy continued her education and earned her Masters from the University of Colorado in 1997, and Doctorate Degree from Walden University in 2012. She was a teacher, assistant principal and her favorite role was serving as principal at Venetucci Elementary. She retired as Director of Student Achievement in the Widefield School District #3. Suzanne also had a successful Consulting Business post retirement supporting Educational Grant Writing and other Business ventures.
Suzanne valued being an educator, including grant writing post retirement to secure funds for important STEM programs that she was passionate about for Widefield School District #3. She believed we could always do better for kids and that laughing and learning were both equally important. Suzanne made sure that laughter and joy were found in all that she supported. Her philanthropy was on both a small and large scale; one of her most cherished accomplishments was the Pennies for Pumpkins program that funded the memorial statue of Nick Venetucci, now a part of the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum.
Dr. Royer loved life and enjoyed running, swimming and was an accomplished triathlete. She especially loved challenging herself biking through mountain passes and on long distance runs and often challenged Joe to join her. She was an exceptional artist, writer and appreciated anything she could cook or craft including the many crocheted blankets she gifted to friends, family and people she had just met. Suzanne was so much to so many, known for her generosity and her desire to always give to others. She was a prolific texter who brought family and friends along on her health journey, maintaining her sense of humor, even when it was difficult. Dr. Royer had a keen sense of style and truly enjoyed good fashion design. But mostly she loved her family and was so proud of her children’s accomplishments. Of all that Suzy was, most important in her life was being a Mom; her children were her legacy.
Aside from her loving husband, she is also survived by her children Joe and his wife Aubrey, Meghan and her fiancé Kevin; her siblings: Robert Alpi (Andrea), Patricia Poland (Dwane), Edward Alpi (Deena), Joanne Graef (Rob), John Alpi, Bill Alpi (Linda), Kathleen Gannon (Thomas) and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Rosary at 5:00pm and Celebration of Life at 5:30pm held for Suzanne at St. Patrick Church, 6455 Brook Park Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 on Friday, October 8th, 2021.
There will also be a Mass for Suzanne at St. Patrick Church on Saturday, October 9th at 11:00am. A reception following the mass will be for immediate family only.
Masks are strongly encouraged. The Royer Family will be wearing masks. Feel free to wear all colors to represent and celebrate Suzy’s bright and positive spirit of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Widefield School District #3 in care of the Suzanne Royer Memorial Fund at 1820 Main Street, Security, CO 80911. This fund will ensure students in need will be assisted during holiday breaks and other times of crisis.
Judy Drake
29 Sep 2021Dear Joe, Joey (Aubrey) and Meghan (Kevin),
We were so sorry to hear about Suzanne’s passing. Suzanne was a bright light in all of us that she touched. Always had a positive attittude and was such a giving and thoughtful individual. She
will be missed by all of us. Suzy has truly earned her wings.
Fondly, Marc and Judy Drake and Family
Brad Small
30 Sep 2021To the Family of Suzanne,
So sorry for family and all who loved Suzanne. Unfortunately for me, she left the mortal world before I had the opportunity to officially meet her. Although it has felt as if I have been a family member for several years. I have felt the family bond building since her daughter, Meghan and my son, Kevin began their relationship that is moving toward marriage in 2022.
Her accomplishments and presence in life certainly benefitted all who were fortunate to be touched by her good will. As well as the courageous model she was for all as she coped with years of health issues that she battled courageously while refusing to be altered by them.
Of course, I wish Suzanne a peaceful eternity. And I wish her family a timely coping and adjustment to life following her passing.
Susanne Lucero
3 Oct 2021Dear Joe and family,
I just heard the news about your beautiful Suzanne. Fortunately, I was able to meet Suzanne on several occasions over the many years that I worked with you. She was truly beautiful inside and out, and you two such a beautiful couple. I always enjoyed hearing about your family throughout those years. It was always evident how much you cherished Suzanne and your children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. With caring thoughts, Susanne and Andy Lucero
Donna Luciani
3 Oct 2021I’m very sorry to hear of Suzanne’s passing. The nicest principal I ever worked with. She always made things fun at Venetucci Elementary. My favorite memory of her is when she dressed as Cruella DeVille for Halloween! She did that costume perfectly! Such a tragic loss! My condolences and prayers to the Royer family. ???
Niki Nickerson
7 Oct 2021Dear Mr. Royer and family I am sorry for your loss. Prayers, condolences, and support go out to your family, in-laws, and soon to be new members of the family. I am glad to have prayed for the entire family since 1986 and I know prayers don’t go unanswered.
Erika & Rene Diaz
7 Oct 2021Dear Joe and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Suzanne’s passing. She was to us a grand lady, ever so kind and most of all a dear friend to the two of us, she will be missed. Extending heartfelt sympathy to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prays are with you all.
Rosemarie and Rene Diaz
Sue Sallee
8 Oct 2021Dear Joe and Family,
Suzanne was a “classy” lady and always was dressed to a “T”. I am so honored to have worked with Suzanne on a number of committees, while teaching in Widefield and working closely with her in student achievement. She had a heart of gold, a contagious smile and you always knew she was up to something with those twinkling eyes. There was never a conversation that she did not mention Joe and how proud she was of Meghan and Joey. Suzanne truly touched the hearts and lives of many, especially her students and teachers/staff in Widefield. What a gift she was to education! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sue Sallee
Bernadette and Jan Ramirez
8 Oct 2021Dear Joe and Family,
In the time we have known Suzanne we knew she was Special. I learned how to write just from her awesome text received almost every morning . She was such a bright light in my life and made every day better for me,she was such a fighter. I also would like to say that Suzanne loved her family. When we would have our conversations she always talked about her kids and her family. She and Joe were so much fun to be around. Joe was truly her love and it showed.
Fran Mattivi
10 Oct 2021Joe and Family,
So sorry for your loss.
You are in my prayers.