Susan Downs (Steelman) of East Haddam, CT died on May 28, 2021. Susan was born November 10, 1944 at Bridgeport Hospital to Nancy (Taylor) and Leroy Steelman. She grew up in Woodmont, CT and then moved to Madison, CT. She lived in Chester for many years before moving to East Haddam. She was a graduate of Putman Catholic Academy, Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing, and the Central Connecticut Teachers program. Susan enjoyed a fifty year career in nursing and ten years teaching at Guilford High School. Her favorite things in life involved anything with her children and grandchildren, tending to her gardens, and enjoying her little farms throughout her life with her chickens, horses, sheep, etc. Susan was the matriarch of her family, and she adored her daughters and their spouses, who were the center of her universe. Her grandchildren were the frosting on the cake for her. She spent her life trying to impart to them to be kind to all living things from people to animals, birds and even bugs. Her most favorite times were spent with family and friends, who gave meaning to her life. All of them must know how deeply she cared for them. Susan is survived by her three beloved daughters, Kirsten Rioux/Testoni (Mark Testoni), Jennifer Stanley/Carlson (James Carlson) and Kimberly Higdon (Jon) and her grandchildren: Taylor and Mallory Rioux, Roland, Brooke and Tucker Stanley, and Camryn Higdon. She is also survived by her beloved, Michael Callahan, and his children, their spouses, and grandchildren, who she loved dearly. Special friends kept her afloat in good and bad times and were held close to her heart – Karen, Valerie, Patti, Carol, Sandy, and many others who also meant a lot to her. Despite some bumps in the road, Susan was ever the optimist and truly felt she had a good, comfortable and happy life. She envied no one. She lived life on her terms with much love in her heart. A walk through visitation will be held on June 2, 2021 from 4 to 7 pm at D'Angelo Funeral Home (22 South Main Street Middletown, CT). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, CT.