Susan Ruvio

Susan Nevel Ruvio passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 65.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Susan was the beloved daughter of the late Bernard Nevel, the late Jane Block, and the stepdaughter of Etta Nevel. She graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana, in 1978, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Earlham College in 1982.

A gifted pianist and lifelong lover of music, Susan found comfort and joy at the keyboard. Her smile could light up a room, and she carried herself with a presence that was both striking and unforgettable.

Susan lived life on her own terms. She was introspective, intellectually curious, and often deeply self-directed. While her path was not always easy, she remained fiercely independent and true to herself.

She is survived by her cherished daughter, Alyson Ruvio; her siblings, Carol Reid, Nancy (Dale) Pollak, Maura (Daniel) Scherrer, and Adam (Kathryn) Nevel; her stepmother, Etta Nevel; and her husband, Barry Ruvio. She was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law, Gary Reid. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and extended family, each of whom carries their own memories of her.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 12:00 p.m. at Judea Reform Synagogue Cemetery, 2560 Jones Ferry Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Shiva information will be provided at the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Susan’s memory to one of the following organizations:

• The Epilepsy Foundation (https://www.epilepsy.com): Honoring Susan’s long and courageous journey with epilepsy, a condition she faced since childhood.

• Music Movement (https://music-movement.org): A nonprofit that provides music-focused therapy and development programs for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. This organization reflects both Susan’s deep love of music and her daughter Alyson’s passion for supporting children with autism.

May her memory be a blessing.