Susan Jane (Adams) Breen's Obituary
On January 13, 2020, Susan Jane Adams Breen passed away peacefully surrounded by her four children. Susan McGuire, Lisa Breen Woidyla, Charles Breen and Christian Breen.
She was born August 2, 1939 in Burlington VT to Rogers & Emilie (Twombly) Adams of Edson Hill Stowe VT. She was the eldest of three children. Predeceased by her brother Stevie Adams and leaves behind her sister Shelley Little.
Susan attended the University of Vermont where she holds a degree in fashion design and business. Susan lived in Boston Massachusetts before marrying her husband Charles M Breen, Jr. The couple settled in Lawrence MA. and started their family. After their second child was born, they bought Stony Meadow farm in Salem NH and added two sons to their expanding family.
Charlie died tragically in 1975 and Susan went on to raise the family alone. No matter the obstacle placed in front of her she persevered through it all with grace and class.
She raised her children to dream of their futures with no boundaries. She was there to pick up the pieces and encourage them to move forward or cheer them on when they succeeded.
Her life read like a Greek tragedy but no matter the road blocks she went thru them with a smile on her face. In 2009 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and fought for 11 years. Whatever the diagnosis she was always more concerned with the doctor giving it or the nurse administering medications. Always putting herself second.
But cancer was a fraction of who she was. She was an Olympic trial downhill ski racer, accomplished equestrian, scratch golfer, scenic painter, farmer, gardener with the greenest thumb, baker and cook. But most of all she was a friend to everyone. She made you feel like you were the only person in the room. She made time for everyone.
She enjoyed time in her home town of Stowe VT, summers at Lake Sunapee and frequent trips to Stonewall Kitchens. Susan also traveled the globe with her dearest friends. But most of all, she enjoyed time spent in her home surrounded by her farm, her lambs and gardens. Feeding the winter birds and hand making gifts for all of her family and friends.
Besides her kids she leaves a legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren all filled with a tiny piece of her talents. Artists, dancers, dreamers, gardeners, jokesters, bakers, cooks, athletes and caregivers. These are the people that have watched her overcome diversity and seen the silver lining in every part of her life. Even at 80 she was still teaching all of us lessons. She was Noni to, Casey, Rob, Adams, Megan, Emily, Connor, William and great Noni to Ryan, Danika, Ellsey Jane, Emory and Claire.
She was a great mother-in-law to Susan’s fiancé Richard Shaheen, Lisa’s husband Steve Woidyla and Charles’s wife Kathleen. She wore so many hats from mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, godmother, aunt, great aunt but most of all fierce friend.
She leaves behind fond memories of boat drinks, cocktail parties, banana bread, chickadees, lamb pictures, times in key west, holidays, sloppy joes, Sunday soups, the best meatballs, her farm, storytelling, her many funny secrets, puzzles, crossword puzzles, motivational texts, Instagram friends, her love of life, Jimmy Buffet concerts and cinnamon gum.
Susan requested no services for her life. Instead she asked we all celebrate her every day in a sunrise, warm wind on your face, a meal shared with friends or a good book. And being nice when you know it might not always come back to you.
There will be a party in her honor later this spring when the flowers have bloomed.
In lieu of gifts or flowers the family asks that you make a charitable donation in her name to... the American cancer society.
https://donate3.cancer.org/?giftType=hon&giftTypeMonthlyDisplay=0&_ga=2.34776673.1121669222.1579119736-874334466.1579119736&_gac=1.145040896.1579119736.EAIaIQobChMIraGbtLeG5wIVjYbACh04FggbEAAYASADEgK5DfD_BwE
Or a charitable donation to the...ASPCA
“The greatest treasures of all are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart... “Judy Garland
If you wish to share a memory or send condolences to the family please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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