Susan Muzzy Carneal

Susan Muzzy Carneal, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 17, 2025.

Born on November 19, 1936, in Hackensack, New Jersey to her late parents, Franklin and Maria Muzzy, Susan’s life was a testament to grace, kindness, and quiet strength. She spent her formative years in Englewood, New Jersey graduating from Saint Cecilia High School in 1955. She later attended Columbia University and worked in research at the Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology.

In 1958, she married the love of her life, George Upshur Carneal, and together they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage mostly in McLean, Virginia where George still resides. Susan dedicated herself to her family and friends. Susan’s greatest joy in life was being a devoted wife, and mother to her four children, grandparent to twelve grandchildren and great-grandparent to her newest great-grandson. She was the quintessential matriarch of the family and a dynamic friend to many. She was the source of wisdom to all around her spending many hours listening and offering sound advice. She had a keen sense of humor, and contagious smile. When she entered a room, her presence turned heads and made even the quietest spaces feel alive.

Susan was an avid tennis player and actively involved in the Junior League. She had a love for traveling and was able to visit almost every continent with her husband, family and friends during her lifetime. Susan was passionate about the building and renovation of houses and was respected by family, friends and professionals as a meticulous and artistic interior decorator. Her creative vision for her beautiful gardens continue to be admired by all. Her style was both classic and effortless, a reflection of the dignity and refinement with which she lived her life. She took special pride in her McLean and Nantucket homes.

She is survived by her loving husband, George, and her children, Garry Carneal, Annapolis, MD; Scott Carneal (Kathy), Woodbine, MD; Erik Carneal (Allison), New York, NY; and Kristen Carneal, Reston, VA, and her adored grandchildren, Luke (Kaleigh), Stephanie (Garrett), Drew (Maddie), George (Kylie), Erik, Brooke, Sam, Adrian, Oliver, Kaitlin, Abigail and great-grandchild Julian.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Alva “Trey” Armstrong III (her beloved grandson), her sisters Mary Jane Holden, Sally Foster and her brother John Muzzy.

A celebration of life both in McLean and Nantucket will be scheduled this fall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Friends of Homeless Animals located in Aldie, VA (www.foha.org), a cause close to Susan’s heart.