Susan Virginia Ellis, a longtime resident of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, completed her earthly journey and returned home to spirit, surrounded by love, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix.
Susan was born in Tulsa Oklahoma on June 2, 1946 to her parents, Joan and Jack Ellis. Susan spent her formative years in Casper, Wyoming. She attended the University of Wyoming and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Mesa State University. She lived in Colorado raising her two daughters until moving to her beloved island of St. Croix in 1993.
She was inspired by the love of family and charity to others. She became the Special Projects Coordinator at Lutheran Social Services, supporting the orphanage (Queen Louise Home) caring for St. Croix ‘s disadvantaged children. Susan was always a champion for the environment, animal rescues, and many other non-profits. She was a lifelong social rights activist who stood up for those who were often overlooked or unheard.
She also had a successful career in journalism as a reporter for The St. Croix Avis and more recently at the St. Croix Source. A gifted journalist whose mastery of language was matched only by her lifelong love of books.
Susan loved St. Croix because of the beauty, the people and the culture- she was highly revered and loved by many in the community.
In Susan’s spare time, she could always be found snorkeling or playing with dogs at the St Croix Animal Welfare Center, where she volunteered. She has always been known as vibrant, young at heart, witty and loved good conversation with friends and family.
Because of Susan’s deep love of the ocean, St. Croix, and the natural world, she chose to return to the waters she cherished. She will be laid to rest at sea.
Susan is survived by her two daughters; Sandra and Ashley. Grandchildren; Connor , Cole and Maeve. Great Grandchildren; Ivee and Milo. Her siblings, Deborah, Celeste and John. Loving Aunt Helen K., niece Katherine, nephews Jason and Christopher and many, many loving cousins and friends.
