Updated on: August 11, 2025
Step into the world of Susan Roosevelt Weld, and it’s like wandering the halls of a grand old estate—echoes of presidential whispers, academic tomes stacked high, and the subtle hum of public service that feels more like a family heirloom than a job. Born into the Roosevelt dynasty, she’s the kind of figure who could have coasted on name alone but chose instead to forge her own path, blending brains, diplomacy, and a touch of that old-school grit. I’ve always pictured her story as a blend of The West Wing intrigue and a scholarly Indiana Jones adventure—diving into ancient Chinese laws while navigating the political spotlight as Massachusetts’ First Lady. Come with me as we unpack her life, from ivy-covered campuses to gubernatorial galas, feeling like we’re sneaking peeks at a private family album where history comes alive.
Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Roosevelt Weld |
| Education | BA from Radcliffe College (1970), JD from Harvard Law School (1974), PhD from Harvard University (1990) in East Asian Languages and Civilizations |
| Professional Roles | Educator, Academic, Former First Lady of Massachusetts (1991–1997) |
| Marital Status | Married William F. Weld (1975–2002, divorced) |
| Children | Five: David Minot, Ethel Derby, Mary Blake, Quentin Roosevelt, Frances Wylie |
| Notable Heritage | Great-granddaughter of President Theodore Roosevelt |
From Roosevelt Roots to Harvard Halls: Susan’s Early Life and Education
Imagine growing up with the weight of a presidential legacy like a well-loved but heavy backpack— that’s Susan Roosevelt Weld’s origin story. Born into the illustrious Roosevelt family, she carries the bloodline of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President who charged up San Juan Hill in 1898 and reshaped America with his Square Deal policies from 1901 to 1909. Her grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., born in 1887, was a war hero and politician, the eldest son of the Rough Rider himself, adding layers of adventure to the family lore. And her father, Quentin Roosevelt II, named after a uncle lost in World War I, paired with mother Frances Blanche Webb to raise Susan in an environment where public service was breakfast conversation.
By 1970, Susan had snagged her BA from Radcliffe College—think the women’s counterpart to Harvard back then, a hotbed of intellectual firebrands. She didn’t stop there; four years later, in 1974, she earned her JD from Harvard Law School, sharpening her mind on legal intricacies. But the real deep dive came in 1990 with her PhD from Harvard in East Asian Languages and Civilizations—focusing on ancient Chinese civilization and law, like decoding scrolls that could unlock modern diplomacy. It’s the kind of academic journey that screams dedication, turning family prestige into personal prowess. I love envisioning her in those Harvard libraries, surrounded by dusty texts, perhaps drawing parallels between imperial edicts and American governance— a quiet rebellion against the expected path.
Marital Milestones and Motherhood: Building a Family Amid the Spotlight
Fast-forward to July 7, 1975, when Susan ties the knot with William F. Weld—better known as Bill Weld, the charismatic lawyer who would become Massachusetts’ Governor from 1991 to 1997. Their union feels like a political rom-com: she, the scholarly Roosevelt descendant; he, the ambitious politico with a libertarian streak. As First Lady starting January 3, 1991, until July 29, 1997, Susan stepped into the public eye, championing causes like women’s issues, children’s trusts, and Asian affairs—her speeches and appearances archived like episodes of a feel-good series.
Together, they built a family of five, each kid carving their own niche. David Minot Weld, born in 1976, channels his inner Einstein as a Professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara—probing the universe’s secrets with equations that could make your head spin. Ethel Derby Weld, arriving in 1977, pursued medicine, becoming a physician dedicated to healing. Mary Blake Weld, born 1979, followed the legal trail as an attorney, while Quentin Roosevelt Weld—born 1981 and nodding to family namesakes—also practices law. Rounding out the crew is Frances Wylie Weld, born 1983, who worked for the San Francisco Giants, blending sports biz with that Roosevelt resilience.
But life isn’t all smooth sailing; the couple divorced in 2002 after 27 years, a plot twist that shifted dynamics but didn’t dim their individual shines. Susan’s siblings add color too—sister Anna Curtenius Roosevelt, an archaeologist unearthing ancient mysteries, and Alexandra Roosevelt, part of the close-knit circle. Extended family? She’s grand-niece to icons like Kermit Roosevelt (the explorer, born 1889), Quentin Roosevelt (the aviator, 1897–1918), Archibald Roosevelt (businessman and soldier, 1894–1979), Ethel Roosevelt Derby (philanthropist, 1891–1977), and Alice Roosevelt Longworth (the witty socialite, 1884–1980). Then there’s second cousin Mark Roosevelt, a political figure descending from Kermit’s line—it’s like a Roosevelt reunion could fill a history book on its own.
Academic Ascent and Public Service: Career Peaks and Passions
Susan’s career is where the cinematic flair really kicks in—picture her as the erudite heroine in a film about bridging East and West. As a former Harvard professor, she delved into ancient Chinese law, teaching generations how past empires inform today’s world. Her expertise landed her as General Counsel to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, where she navigated U.S.-China relations with the precision of a chess grandmaster.
Today—or at least as of my last peek—she’s an adjunct professor and executive director of the Law Asia Leadership program at Georgetown University Law School, molding future leaders in Asian legal studies. She’s also on the Advisory Council of the US-China Education Trust, fostering cultural exchanges that feel vital in our interconnected era. No flashy net worth figures here; her wealth seems measured in influence and intellect rather than dollars.
Archival gems from her First Lady days, spanning 1991–1997, reveal a whirlwind: speeches on Asia’s role in global affairs, advocacy for children’s funds, women’s empowerment initiatives, and ties to the National Governors’ Association. It’s like scrolling through a highlight reel—events, programs, appearances that turned her tenure into a masterclass in graceful leadership.
The Broader Roosevelt Tapestry: Extended Connections and Influences
Diving deeper into the family web, Susan’s connections read like a who’s who of American history. Her great-grandmother, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt—though details are fuzzy in spots—was the steadfast First Lady to Theodore, managing the White House from 1901 with poise amid six kids and national duties. These ties aren’t just names; they’re threads weaving Susan’s life into a larger narrative of exploration, politics, and philanthropy.
Think of it as a family tree that’s more like a vine—twisting through wars (World War I and II exploits by relatives), expeditions (Kermit’s Amazon treks in 1913–1914), and social scenes (Alice’s legendary quips at D.C. parties). Susan’s path, though quieter, echoes that spirit: from Radcliffe’s classrooms in the 1960s to Georgetown’s halls in the 2020s, she’s the bridge builder, using her PhD insights to advise on modern China policy.
FAQ
Who were Susan Roosevelt Weld’s parents?
Susan’s parents were Quentin Roosevelt II, her father, and Frances Blanche Webb, her mother, embedding her directly in the Roosevelt lineage.
What is Susan’s connection to President Theodore Roosevelt?
She is the great-granddaughter of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. President, through her grandfather Theodore Roosevelt Jr., inheriting a legacy of leadership and adventure.
How many children does Susan have, and what do they do?
Susan has five children: David Minot (physics professor), Ethel Derby (physician), Mary Blake (attorney), Quentin Roosevelt (attorney), and Frances Wylie (worked for the San Francisco Giants).
What were Susan’s major educational achievements?
She earned a BA from Radcliffe College in 1970, a JD from Harvard Law School in 1974, and a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard in 1990.
When was Susan First Lady of Massachusetts?
Susan served as First Lady from January 3, 1991, to July 29, 1997, during her then-husband Bill Weld’s governorship, focusing on issues like Asia, children, and women.
What are Susan’s current professional roles?
She is an adjunct professor and executive director of the Law Asia Leadership program at Georgetown University Law School, and serves on the Advisory Council of the US-China Education Trust.
Who are some of Susan’s extended family members?
She is grand-niece to Kermit, Quentin, Archibald Roosevelt, Ethel Roosevelt Derby, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth, and second cousin to Mark Roosevelt, all part of the expansive Roosevelt dynasty.
