Eight Bells: Susan Reddaway

Susan L. Reddaway, 66, a lifelong pillar of the local sailing community, a dedicated mentor to generations of sailors, and a compassionate advocate for those in need, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly without suffering October 3, 2026.

Susan was born in Atlanta, GA, graduated from Dunwoody High School and Auburn University. While at Auburn she was a charter member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority at Auburn.

Susan’s life was defined by her deep connection to the water and the people she met upon it. Her journey began at Lake Lanier Sailing Club (Flowery Branch, GA) in 1972 when our parents joined. Susan grew up immersed in the sailing culture. As a young person, she participated as a student, counselor, and director of the LLSC Junior Program.

After becoming a member in 1986, Susan devoted decades to the club, contributing her talents both on and off the water. She was a respected organizer, race committee member, helmswoman and a skilled crew member, proudly representing LLSC in local, regional, and national events.

Her commitment to LLSC extended far beyond competition. Susan served the club in nearly every capacity imaginable, providing leadership and stability as a Board Member, Secretary, Vice Commodore, and eventually Commodore.

Her passion for sailing’s future was evident in her roles as Junior Program Director and Nominating Committee member, and she ensured the club’s legacy was preserved through her work as Historian.

Professionally, Susan dedicated her career to the empowerment of others through her work with Creative Enterprises and Creative Consulting. For many decades, she served as a support consultant, focusing her efforts on enabling individuals and families to build meaningful lives.

By helping others find valued roles within their own communities, Susan mirrored the same spirit of service and leadership she brought to every other area of her life.

For the past 17 years, Susan has also shared her expertise and passion with University Yacht Club’s Jr. Sailing Program where she was the Director of the Jr. Sail Fleet. As a teacher and leader, she was integral to the growth of the local sailing community.

She will be profoundly missed by her many friends, instructors, fellow racers, and the countless students she inspired. Her influence lives on with the sailors she mentored and the lives she touched through her professional advocacy.

Susan is survived by her loving family, including her brothers John David Reddaway, Jr. and his wife Carol; John Mark Reddaway and his wife Jennifer; as well as her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces. She was proceeded by her parents John David Reddaway, Sr and Frances Leet Reddaway.

In-lieu of flowers donations can be made in Susan Reddaway’s honor to Lake Lanier Sailing Club’s Junior Sailing Foundation or UYC’s Maritime Foundation. Both may be tax deductible:

• LLSC Junior Sailing Foundation:
Mail a Check to: LLSC Jr. Sailing Foundation, 3790 Post Gate Drive, Cumming, GA 30040
https://buy.stripe.com/fZu6oH0M24X4h1N4XzbfO04

• UYC Maritime Foundation:
https://www.uycmaritimefoundation.org/donate

Source: https://www.flaniganfuneralhome.com/obituaries/susan-reddaway/