Susan DelPapa Fort, 66, of Raleigh, North Carolina; a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2022.

Susan was born on September 7, 1955, in Kinston, North Carolina. Throughout her life she had a great love for all animals but had a special affection for large animals, particularly cows. It was no surprise when Susan became a veterinary medical technologist after graduating from Central Carolina in Sanford, North Carolina.

Susan met the love of her life, Carrow Fort, while still in high school. They dated for nearly five years before getting married. They had two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Katie, before moving their family to Raleigh, North Carolina. Together they hunted, fished, and trained Labrador Retrievers for field trials. Given her enjoyment of rehabbing injured animals and her love of cows it is hard to believe she never had one in her backyard (although she did have fawns on occasion). Summer vacations at the beach were always a special time, as well. Whenever possible, Susan love spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved and adored very much.

Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores DelPapa. She is survived by her father, James DelPapa, of Kinston, NC; her husband, of 45 years, Carrow Fort of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Jessica Fort and her partner Shane of Seattle, WA; daughter, Katie Boyd and her husband, Stuart of Raleigh; sister, Kathleen Caccamo and her husband, Dave of Raleigh; sister, Joan Whitley and her husband, David of New Bern; sister, Mary Justice and her husband, Jim of Greensboro; brother, Jimmy Del Papa and his wife, Anne of Durham; two grandchildren, Macie and Cullen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 2:00pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kinston, NC.

A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the North Carolina Wildlife Endowment Fund.

Susan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.