Barbara Bradley Suman

Barbara Suman, a devoted mother, grandmother, lifelong learner, and spirited adventurer, passed away on April 10 leaving behind a legacy of love and creativity. Barbara was born on April 23, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio, to Thomas Steele Bradley and Mary Jane (Patricia) Hope Bradley. She graduated from Fairview High School and went on to attend junior college, where she was a proud member of Delta Zeta and served on the Queen Council in 1956. In 1959, Barbara married the love of her life, Dr. Ted Suman, in Dayton, Ohio. They began their journey together as college students, attending classes at Ohio State University and later Kent State University. Their path eventually led them to the University of Hawaii, where Ted earned his Ph.D. in Entomology—an adventure that reflected their shared love of learning and exploration—and where Barbara began raising their growing family. When Ted was offered a professorship at Towson University, they moved to Maryland and eventually settled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where Ted became Dean of Students at the former Kirkland Hall College. It was here that they put down roots and raised their family, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and curiosity. Barbara worked as a library aide at Idlewild, nurturing her lifelong love of books and learning, while her children attended school there. She later became a proud graduate of Anne Arundel Community College while Ted served there as a professor, and went on to retire from Loyola Federal Bank, where she took great pride in her work. Family trips in the summers were filled with camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures, where Barbara encouraged her children to explore, discover, and appreciate the natural world. She loved growing her own food in the backyard garden and was a member of one of the first food co-ops on the Shore. In retirement, Barbara and Ted embraced new adventures, traveling widely with Road Scholars and the Industrial Archeology Society. She was an avid photographer, lovingly documenting the lives of her children and grandchildren through her lens—capturing not just moments, but stories as they grew. Many of her photographs were displayed with the Tidewater Camera Club. Barbara was a proud Master Gardener, and her backyard was a beautiful display of native plants. She was also a founding member of the Chesapeake Bay Herb Society, where she enjoyed participating in monthly gatherings to create “herb of the month” meals. Barbara was a talented artist who, in retirement, explored a wide range of artistic styles—always curious, always creating. She will be remembered for her warmth, her creativity, and her deep love for her family. She celebrated 60 years of marriage with Ted before he passed away in 2020. Barbara leaves behind a garden of memories that will continue to grow in the hearts of all who loved her, including her children Sharon Bell (Richard), Jenny Willey (Jimmy), and Marci Leach (Mike); her grandchildren Lindsay Manship, Brandon Bell, Garrison Willey, Addison Anderson, and Gabrielle Leach; and six great-grandchildren. She had many special people in her life, including Diana Patchett, who supported Barbara every day after her stroke. She was also deeply grateful for the caring and compassionate care she received at Candlelight Cove. She will be fondly remembered there for her cheerful spirit and her love of singing. Her life was full, her love never-ending, and her legacy enduring—she will be missed by all who loved her. Services will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to Talbot Hospice.

Barbara Bradley Suman

April 23, 1937 - April 10, 2026