Susan Anderson, Cranston Resident and PBS Producer, Dies at 71

Susan Anderson, a longtime resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 71, following a courageous battle with amyloidosis. A vibrant and intellectually curious individual, Anderson leaves behind a legacy of community engagement and a dedication to lifelong learning.

Early Life and Family

Born on December 26, 1954, in Oakland, California, Susan was the youngest of three children. Her mother, Jane Seymour, worked as an administrator for the Health Department in Berkeley, California, and was known for her sincerity, intelligence, and selflessness. Her father, Richard Anderson, was an operator at the Lawrence Radiation Lab at UC Berkeley, and instilled in those around him a sense of joy and appreciation for life.

In 1980, Susan relocated from California to Rhode Island to join her sister, Audrey Clifton, and brother-in-law, Edward Clifton.

Career in Television Production

Anderson pursued studies in biology at the University of Rhode Island but discovered a passion for television production. She dedicated herself to the field, working at the local PBS station (Channel 36) in Rhode Island from the 1980s through the early 1990s. Her colleagues remember her dedication to quality programming.

A Life Filled with Interests and Adventure

Susan Anderson was known for her intellectual curiosity and diverse interests. She was a trivia enthusiast, an avid reader of novels, and enjoyed puzzles, board games, and card games. She never missed an episode of Jeopardy!. A keen gardener, she cultivated a remarkable collection of plants, both indoors, and outdoors.

Throughout her life, Susan traveled extensively with friends and family, visiting countries including Scotland, Cambodia, Martinique, and England. After overcoming a health challenge in 2022, she fulfilled a long-held goal by summiting Diamond Head in Hawaii in 2024.

Family and Legacy

Susan was introduced to her late husband, Kenneth McDaniel, through her family in 1989. They shared 28 years of marriage, characterized by compassion and altruism. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Emily and Kathryn McDaniel, and Susan built a loving relationship with Kenneth’s four children, Sean, Dawn, Ray, and Jennifer McDaniel.

For 14 years, until her retirement in June of 2024, Susan served as the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School at Providence Country Day School.

She was predeceased by her brother, Ronald Anderson, her parents, and her husband, Kenneth McDaniel. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, her sister Audrey Clifton, her best friend Kathy McCaughey, her nieces and nephews, extended family members, and her colleagues at Providence Country Day School.

Celebrating Susan’s Life

Details regarding a celebration of Susan’s life can be found at https://tinyurl.com/sue-anderson-tribute.