Susan Marilyn Darring

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of Sue Darring’s passing on the morning of January 23, 2024. Our friend and colleague Sue died at her home. Her son Marcus found her soon after, as he planned to take her to a doctor's appointment.

Susan (Sue) Darring, CPP, was a trailblazer and thought leader in the U.S. payroll industry.

Sue was one of the founding members of PayrollOrg, formerly the American Payroll Association. She became a Director in 1990, President in 1998, and served as Corporate Member Advisor on the Board of Directors from 2001 to 2018. Sue was the longest-standing voting member in the organization’s history.

Sue served on a voluminous number of PAYO boards, committees, and task forces. True to her nature to give back to the payroll industry, Sue was still volunteering up to the time of her passing. Sue had received many accolades in her career. In 2019, she received the Board of Directors Award and was made the first lifetime national member of PAYO for her more than 30 years of service. (See the Congress Today article here.)

An eloquent speaker and orator, Sue was never lost for words. She always had an impactful stance and position on nearly all aspects of business and policy. Sue was the first Director to embrace the need for formalizing a Code of Ethics and Fiduciary Responsibility in the 1990s. Sue provided decades of inspiration to her peers. She was an avid learner and never stopped learning and contributing.

In a text to Dan Maddux this past Sunday, Sue said, “Payroll Congress has always been the ultimate battery charge for me. Seeing you, Linda Obertin, and Patricia Fripp alone is like a gift. Being involved and doing workshops was exhilarating to me. PayrollOrg has been a big part of my life, for most of my life. I miss being an attendee and getting the benefits and joy of the events included.”

Sue worked for Oracle in the position of Senior Principal Product Manager. Sue’s personal and professional friends know how much she enjoyed working for Oracle, as she sang their praises often. Sue thrived on teamwork, and she often praised and raved about her team and counterparts at Oracle. 

On a local level, the Chicago Chapter was founded in 1983 with Sue as one of the founders.

She never lost sight of the importance of chapter leadership, fellowship, mentorship, and educational initiatives. Sue often spoke of fellow Chicago Chapter members as if they were family. The Chicago Chapter has the Sue Darring Education Grant in honor of Sue’s lifelong dedication to the importance of education for payroll professionals.

Sue leaves behind her devoted and beloved son Marcus, grandson Jourdan who currently serves in the armed forces and is deployed to the Mideast, sons Nicholas and Waldy, grandson Lance, niece Vanity, and many family members who will miss her greatly.

Sue loved and adored her companion, her dog, Buffy. A 15-pound bundle of joy and affection, Buffy was rescued from a shelter in San Antonio. She’s been Sue’s constant companion for the past 4 years. Buffy needs to be rehomed immediately. If you are willing to give Buffy a home, please contact Dan Maddux at (210) 240-3977 to discuss. Rehoming Buffy would be the ultimate gift for Sue who loved her so much. Buffy is friendly, well-behaved, healthy, and house-trained.

Marcus, Sue, and Vanity, on December 26, 2023.   Buffy on January 21, 2024

A Celebration of Life for Sue will be held in Chicago in the spring when the weather is most suitable for an event. If you would like details about the event, please email Executiveoffice@payroll.org and ask to be added to the updates regarding Sue Darring’s Celebration of Life.

Sue will be hugely missed. Please join me in a special thought or moment of silence for the unforgettable Sue Darring.

My Kindest Regards,

Dan

Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.om

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