Susan Elizabeth Tringas

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Obituary

Susan Elizabeth Tringas, a beacon of positivity and kindness, peacefully passed away on May 23, 2025. At the age of 68, surrounded by her loved ones, she concluded a life that leaves behind a legacy of warmth and courage. She left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on February 4, 1957, Susan was raised in Dayton, Ohio, as the youngest of four siblings in the Harrigan family. Her childhood was filled with joyful memories—playing in the snow, dressing up with her older sisters, and enjoying adventures with her neighborhood friends. These early experiences shaped her joyful spirit and deep love for family, which remained central to her throughout her life.

She was a graduate of Florida State University, where she built the foundation for a career in education. With a deep passion for learning and teaching, she went on to touch the lives of countless children through her work in the classroom and beyond. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in her students' potential made her not only an exceptional educator but also a lasting influence in their lives.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan found immense joy in the world of dance. She embraced ballroom competitions and ballet performances well into her sixties, moving with the same grace and dedication that defined her approach to life. Her elegance on the dance floor was a beautiful reflection of her spirited and passionate nature.

Above all, Susan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. She shared a beautiful and enduring marriage with her husband, Alex Tringas—one marked by deep love, mutual respect, and an unshakable bond. Together, they shared countless adventures, laughter-filled moments, and the quiet joys of everyday life. Through all of life’s ups and downs, they remained steadfast in their support for one another, offering strength and encouragement in both seen and unseen ways. Their partnership was a true testament to commitment and companionship. Susan’s greatest joy and proudest achievement was raising their daughter, Alexis. With boundless love and guidance, she instilled in her the values of kindness, resilience, and compassion—gifts that will continue to honor her memory for generations to come.

Friends and family remember Susan for her ceaseless kindness, her capacity to give without expectation, and her ability to bring light into every room she entered. Her laughter was contagious, her spirit indefatigable, and her heart immeasurably generous.

Susan is survived by her husband, Alex, their daughter, Alexis, grandson, Lucas, sister, Ada, brother, John, and a loving network of family and friends who cherished her deeply. In remembering Susan, we celebrate a life well-lived—one rich in love, laughter, and meaningful connections. As we grieve this profound loss, we find solace in the countless beautiful memories she leaves behind and the enduring light she brought into our world.

A visitation service will take place on Friday, May 30th from 5–7 PM at Emerald Coast Funeral Home with the funeral service on May 31st at 10 AM at St. Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, carrying forward Susan’s spirit of generosity.

Rest in peace, dear Susan. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.

Timeline

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Memory wall

June 3, 2025

My mom was an incredibly special person. Looking through old photo albums and hearing stories, I’ve learned of the joy she found in her youth (as a child, in college, working at the theatre). This joy also carried through to adulthood, after I was born. These memories, I can attest to to some degree. I remember my parents laughing and dancing at cookouts, boating, at Bowlegs events, and even in the kitchen as they made dinner - she radiated happiness.

With me, she continued this fun loving energy. One of my favorite memories, that now feels like a treasure, is singing in the car with her. I remember we had one favorite song: “Wake Up Little Susie.” We sang it endlessly on full blast. Later, it was Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,”and many more belted out on the way home from ballet rehearsals. Those moments were reflections of the vibrant, joyful spirit my mom brought into every situation.

Beyond her joyful spirit, she had incredible compassion. My mom had a heart that was endlessly generous and non-judgmental. She had empathy for all and cared deeply for her friends and family. She made it her mission to ensure others felt supported, especially in difficult times.

For me, she was my anchor. She knew me better than anyone ever has—or ever will. Even the memories I can’t fully recall are wrapped in the feeling of her love—the comfort of being held in your mother’s arms and knowing that things are going to be okay. We shared traits that sometimes led to spirited debates during my teenage years, but those same traits also created a bond that was unshakable. She was the first person I called when I had a problem. She would listen—really listen—and stay on the phone for as long as I needed. She was my comfort, my guide, my safe place. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will carry on through each of us. A way of being that brings more empathy, more kindness, and more understanding into the world. This way of being is one I like to think I also embody and that I hope to pass on to my son, Lucas.

In addition to this, she leaves a legacy of incredible courage. She was often described as a fighter. As many know, she fought and won many battles with cancer over the course of 15 years. I’ll never forget when she was diagnosed, googling her diagnosis and the statistics – they were very bleak.
But she fought and fought and fought again. Often noting that she was fighting for me and my dad. Through this fight, I believe she made a mark on the future of cancer treatment (participating for over a year in a trial out of MD Anderson in Houston). I believe her fight will help save lives. In this way she leaves behind an incredible legacy for the future of cancer treatment and research. Through something so terrible, she brought hope, love, and compassion.

In closing, my mom was a light in this world. She reminded us to notice the beauty around us—sunsets, wildlife, a delicious treat. She lived with intention, with grace, and with a heart wide open. And though she is no longer physically with us, I know—deep in my soul—that she is here in spirit. I feel her presence in the quiet moments, in the warmth of the sun, and in the love that surrounds our family. I take comfort in knowing that she is in heaven, at peace, free from suffering, watching over us with that same compassion and joy she shared during her time on earth. Her love endures, and her spirit lives on in every act of kindness, every moment of joy, and every memory we carry forward.

Alexis Tringas

June 2, 2025

I’m so very sorry for the profound loss of such a beautiful person. She fought so hard for so long! I’ll be praying for Alex, Alexis and the rest of the family and friends during this difficult time.

Michele Finnegan

May 31, 2025

I only met Susan once at Alexis and Zach‘s wedding, so I never knew her well. However, from the magnificent portfolio of pictures and from knowing Alexis, I can see that she had a rich life filled with family, friends and so much love. It’s a blessing that she saw Alexis marry such a wonderful mate Zachary, and that Susan met her beautiful grandson. Lucas. Rest in peace.

Wendy Katzman

May 28, 2025

Elegant Susan-I never thought she would be the brave one , back when we were so silly. But there she was with her dignity and humor intact. It leaves me sad and humbled. The poet Philip Larkin wrote “all we have is birth and death and the tender time in between “.

C.Jensen

May 27, 2025

Many years ago, Susan taught me a profound lesson—one that I’ve been grateful to pass on to others time and time again. It was a quiet wisdom, rooted in patience and kindness. She once said that to feel truly seen and heard in society, a person needs to speak 10,000 words each day. Her message was simple but powerful: allow others the space to speak their 10,000 words, even if those words may not seem important to you. In doing so, you offer them dignity, presence, and connection—the very gifts Susan so generously gave to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed but her wisdom will continue on. Sending all my love to Alex, Alexis, Zach, and Lucas in this very difficult time.

Ashleigh Vinson

May 27, 2025

Susan was the strongest and bravest woman I have ever known. Her beauty and elegance stood the test of time. We shared a love for adventure and the outdoors but we also had a passion for dance, not only watching Rosie and Alexis perform, but also performing in shows ourselves, Susan, my dear friend, the song may have ended here on earth, but I know your eternal dance will continue with the angels in heaven.

Colleen Daws Gamer

May 27, 2025

Alex, Alexis, and the whole Tringas family.....Greg and I are very sad to hear this news!!! She was a very special person and someone with incredible strength and fortitude!!! She was an inspiration to all of us!!! We wish we could take you pain away and please know you are all in our prayers!!! Much love and sympathy.....Greg and Martha Tringas

Martha Tringas

May 26, 2025

Susan….i miss you very much! You are very very loved! Thank you for being such a great friend!! Your graciousness,kindness ,beautiful spirit and strength will never be forgotten!

kimberly grubbs

May 26, 2025

I am so fortunate to have had a friend with so much compassion & love and understanding. I will forever remember her support, intelligence, grace and adoring laugh! She was an important part of my very existence. Susan & I were physically apart, but when we connected, it was as if no time passed. I will miss her so much but will always remember her and the memories we created ❤️
Sending all my love and support to Alex, Alexis & your entire family!

Grace Graves Wilhelm

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