AUBURN - Susanne R. Fitzsimmons, 69, of Auburn, died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at Auburn Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness complicated by ALS.

She was born in Schenectady on Nov. 25, 1935, to Thomas E. Ryan and Mary Kirwin Ryan, and graduated from The College of St. Rose in Albany. A 45-year resident of Auburn, she married and raised three children, and worked as a trust officer at Marine Midland Bank in Syracuse for six years. She then worked as an independent paralegal until her death.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Sue was active in the movements for civil rights, farm workers rights, and against the Vietnam War. And throughout her adult years, she was a lover of books and ideas and a contributor to causes for social change. Recently, she had served on the board of Family Planning and the Seymour Library Foundation.

Susanne is survived by one son, Michael of New York City; two daughters, Anne Fitzsimmons of Auburn and Emily Fitzsimmons of Camillus; and one brother, Gerald Ryan of Sonoma, Calif.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at Susanne's residence, 453 N. Seward Ave. in Auburn, and a reception to celebrate her life will be held at a time and place to be announced.

Arrangements are being handled by the Brew Funeral Home, 48 South St., Auburn.