Susan Elizabeth Rooney

Susan Elizabeth Rooney (née Poss) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, surrounded by her loving family.

Susan was a graduate of Saint Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and devoted many years of her professional life to nursing. It was a vocation that reflected her steadiness, compassion, and quiet strength. She pursued her education with pride and seriousness, forming lifelong friendships with her nursing school classmates—women she affectionately and always referred to as “the girls.” These friendships endured for decades and remained a meaningful and constant presence throughout her life.

Susan was also remembered for her love of travel, her joy for living life fully, and for a life truly well lived. Whether near or far, she embraced new experiences with gratitude and enthusiasm, carrying that same sense of joy into her everyday life.

Family was central to Susan’s identity. She was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren, and her love for them guided everything she did.

Susan was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronald Joseph Rooney, Sr., M.D.; her parents, Joseph and Muriel Poss; and her brothers, Paul Poss and Fred Poss.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Charles “Jack” DeLong, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her daughter, Cara Rooney Ross, husband, Duane; her sons, Ronald Joseph Rooney, Jr., wife Lara (nee Poyas), Sean Rooney, and Brendan Rooney; and her cherished grandchildren, Anslie and Brady. She is also survived by many devoted family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Susan will be forever missed and lovingly remembered for her warmth, devotion, adventurous spirit, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Ronald Joseph Rooney, Sr., ready for eternity.

All are warmly invited to join in celebrating the life of Susan Elizabeth Rooney.A prayer service and remembrance will be held on Monday, January 12, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Daniel’s Family Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.A brief interment ceremony will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 13, at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

Those who wish to honor Susan’s memory are welcome to join us as we remember and celebrate the love, laughter, and joy she brought into our lives.