Susan McGuire

Susan Spring Stear McGuire was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose warmth, sense of humor, creativity, and boundless love touched everyone she met. She passed away peacefully in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, with her loving son and husband by her side — a day that fittingly reflected the love she poured into her family throughout her life.

Born January 7, 1958, in New Iberia, Louisiana, Susan was raised by David and Marjorie Stear in a close-knit family as the second of five sisters. From a young age, she was known for her outgoing free spirit and mischievous intellect. She held deep respect for her father, following in his footsteps as a track athlete and senior class president, and deciding on his advice at a very early age that she wanted to grow up to be a pediatric dentist. She loved her mother dearly, carrying forward her strong work ethic and can-do attitude in every task, personal or professional. She inspired her sisters with her ingenuity, resourcefulness, and zest for life.

She grew up in New Iberia and graduated from New Iberia Senior High School (Class of 1976). She ran hurdles for the NISH track team, and her natural ability to win any argument served her well on the debate team. After graduating with honors, she attended Louisiana State University and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. In 1979, she was selected as Queen LAGCOE, a reflection of both her beauty and poise. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from LSU’s School of Dentistry in 1986 and completed her pediatric dentistry residency in 1994.

Susan met Robin McGuire while he was working with her father at Texaco in New Iberia. The two married in 1982 in New Iberia and built a life together full of love, laughter and shared adventures with their son, Gordon. After time in New Orleans, they settled for 15 years in Lafayette before relocating to Dallas in 2007 and finally to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 2021 to be closer to Gordon, their daughter-in-law Anna, and their beloved grandsons, Walker and Whitten. She was proud of her South Louisiana roots and loved introducing new friends to its culture, music, and food.

As a pediatric dentist in New Orleans and Lafayette, she cared for patients in the old school way as a caring practitioner with gentleness and humor. Later, as a pediatric instructor at Texas A&M's College of Dentistry in Dallas, she became a beloved mentor — approachable, insightful, and always the “cool” instructor. She continued to cheer on her residents’ successes long after graduation.

As a mother, she was affectionate and devoted — always present and endlessly supportive. That same devotion was poured into her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Known to them as “Susu,” she doted on them with a limitless heart, making every birthday, holiday, and ordinary weekend something magical. From fishing, nature walks and visits to the library, parks and children's museums to silly crafts and custom-made costumes for their stuffed animals, Susu never missed a chance to bring joy to their lives.

Susan’s hobbies included baking, reading, walking and hiking with her dogs, husband, and friends, crafting, painting and drawing, going to concerts, attending trivia nights, and doing Wordle with friends. She was a fan of sweets and known far and wide for her delicious baked treats. Having built three homes, she was a skilled interior decorator and a bit of a pack rat — holding on to every receipt and treasuring any keepsake, no matter how small. She stayed connected to her friends and the world around her, from reading magazines and diving into books to keeping up with the latest music and cheering on her grandkids at soccer games.

She was active in her community and participated in several social, charitable, and professional organizations throughout her life. Her caring nature, cheerfulness, and humor drew people in, and she built deep friendships wherever she went — from her childhood and school years to her career, church groups, and later through running groups and aquarobics (affectionately known as the “Aquababes”). She was thoughtful and organized, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and the little details that made others feel loved. Her ability to connect, to remember, and to care deeply was one of her defining qualities.

Her kindness extended to animals, and, over the years, she cared for a beloved lineup of dogs — Clancy, Sarah, Riley, Molly, Hannah, and Tucker — cats Cinnamon and Rocky, and even a pair of turtles, John and Crystal. Her pets, like her people, were doted on, deeply loved, and thoroughly spoiled.

Susan was a woman of faith and active in each church community she joined: First United Methodist Church in New Iberia, First UMC in New Orleans, Asbury UMC in Lafayette, Highland Park UMC in Dallas, and First UMC in Hot Springs. In particular, she cherished the fellowship she found through Bible studies and small groups, reflecting her desire to grow in faith and walk alongside others in theirs.

Susan is predeceased by her parents, David and Marjorie Stear.

Susan is survived by her husband, Robin McGuire; son, Gordon (Anna) McGuire; her grandchildren, Walker and Whitten McGuire, and her sisters, Freda (Charles) Garrison, Joan Elizabeth Stear, Ruth (Jeff) Otterbacher, and Maggie (Matt) Scalapino.

Susan leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and abiding love. She was the heart of her family, a fiercely loyal friend, and a constant source of light. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her silly sense of humor, her caring and loving heart, her empathy, and the joy she found in making others feel special.

Services for Susan will be held at 10:00 am June 27, 2025, at Asbury United Methodist Church located at 101 Live Oak Blvd., Lafayette, Louisiana 70503, with a reception to follow.