Susan K. Ball, physician, citizen scientist

Susan “Susie” K. Ball, May 1943-July 2023, was born during an air raid and spent her youth in war-torn London; thus, she was hardwired to succeed against any odds. She ventured to New York City in the 1960s along with the Beatles. She pursued a biology degree from CCNY, worked in a university laboratory, made lifelong friends and became a United States citizen. She loved science and was a passionate believer in the power of nature – to provide great beauty, mystery and a profound sense of awe. The Atlantic seacoast and later the Chesapeake Bay provided the classroom for her love of birding, photography, sailing and all marine creatures.

She attended medical school at U of Penn and pursued internal medicine and psychiatry as her specialties. She practiced in the Philadelphia region, holding inpatient, outpatient and private practices. In mid-career she achieved a second board in geriatric psychiatry and later became director of geriatric psychiatry at Crozer. Her skill and compassion helped many individuals and their families with geriatric and PTSD issues. She also actively supported compassionate care settings for death and dying in hospitals and hospices.

Upon retirement and relocation to Rehoboth Beach, Susie volunteered at Prime Hook and the Sussex Bird Club, making many friends. But her best gift was joining the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Delaware Center for Inland Bays. Her passion, leadership and love of the Inland Bays led her to other CIB opportunities, most recently becoming its board chair.

Throughout her time in Sussex County, Susie’s first passion was the annual horseshoe crab and red knots migration along the Delaware Bay. With this May event, she donned her mucky boots and headlamp, and with her team, counted crabs under the light of the spring moon.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving spouse of 30 years, Susan Delaney, and the extended Delaney family, along with many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Center for the Inland Bays. Donations in memory of Susie Ball may be made to the center’s Student Estuary Exploration Program.