Obituaries

Susan Fiore, beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, and good friend to so many, passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2024.

Susan was born in Westby, Wis. on February 7, 1946, to parents Virginia (Churchill) and Everett Chapman. She grew up in Viroqua, Wis. and attended Viroqua schools. Following high school, Susan married her sweetheart, Paul Dregne, also from Viroqua. They had two sons, Matthew and Andrew. After Paul died from cancer in 1969, Susan and the boys moved to Madison where Susan pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Music with distinction from UW-Madison and later a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the UW-Madison School of Business. Susan was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Mensa. Following graduation, she put her talents to work in support of various local arts organizations. She also played and taught piano.

In 1986, Susan married James J. Fiore. Years later, Susan and Jim bought and renovated a home on 12 acres of woods, installing large windows. The woods were Heaven for Susan. She delighted in feeding the birds, watching all the woodland critters, and tracking the changing of the seasons and the differences in plant and animal life. During heat waves, Susan provided raccoon families with a kiddie pool for swimming. She was endlessly entertained by the woodland wildlife, often remarking that watching the birds was much more entertaining than watching TV (after which she would proudly inform you that she hadn't watched TV since 1973)! Asked where she was from, Susan would say she lived at "the terminus of the glacial moraine near Verona." Susan revered nature. The solitude of the woods provided her solace and inspired her poetry and quilting. In 2016, Susan and Jim donated nine of their 12 acres to the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Susan was deeply spiritual. She studied theology and completed the Education for Ministry (EFM) program within the School of Theology at The University of the South, Sewanee. She worked with EFM for many years. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Madison and an Oblate in The Order of Julian of Norwich, a contemplative monastic order of the Episcopal Church.

Susan's keen intellectual curiosity fueled her tremendous love for books. She was an avid reader, a deep thinker, and a lifelong learner on a never-ending quest to expand her knowledge of subjects like history, poetry, literature, and nature. She cared deeply about social justice and the environment and generously contributed to organizations supporting such causes. She loved "good" music and held strong opinions about what qualified as such! She loved the performing arts and was, herself, very creative and artistic. Susan was, among other things, a talented poet, writer, quilter, knitter, and musician. Her family will treasure the many beautiful quilts she made them, along with the handknit socks, placemats, pillowcases and other personal homemade gifts bestowed so plentifully during her life. Above all, Susan was a devoted Nana who loved spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Susan is survived by her husband of 38 years, James Fiore; two sons, Matthew (Claire) and Andrew (Andrea) Dregne; stepchildren Karen Olson (Richard) and Michael Fiore; five grandchildren, Noah and Olivia Dregne, Annika and Erik Olson, and Bodie Fiore; her brother, Steven Chapman (Cindy Kelm); and many dear friends. Susan was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Dregne; her parents; in-laws; and her Nana Jo and Uncle Vint.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those wishing to donate in memory of Susan consider the following organizations which were near and dear to Susan's heart: The Clearing Folk School in Ellison Bay, Wis.; the UW Madison Odyssey Project; The Order of Julian of Norwich in White Lake, Wis.; or American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wis.

On December 7, friends and family will gather at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Madison to celebrate Susan's life. The family thanks Agrace Hospice for its tremendous support during a difficult time.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000