Susan B. Strahn

Waterford - Susan B. Strahn, a lifelong resident of Quaker Hill, died on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, at the age of 90.

Daughter of LeGrand and Edith (Austin) Chappell, descended from Gurdon Tracy Chappell, organizer and first pastor of Lakes Pond Baptist Church, and Mary Avery Chappell, she became the Chappell family "historian" compiling both the Chappell as well as Austin genealogies that both extended families continue to cherish.

Sue was a graduate of Williams Memorial Institute and Connecticut College and taught mathematics at Mitchell College until her retirement.

She loved boating, was a member of the local Power Squadron and, for a period, was their education officer, teaching safe boating and devising and administering the tests as well as grading the results. She also enjoyed road trips in her RV, often in tandem with her cousin, the late Verna Skinner.

Sue was a Trustee Emeritus of the New London Marine Historical Society, past member and chairman of the Waterford Republican Town Committee, and for a time, a Republican Registrar of Voters.

She is survived by two first cousins, Phyllis King of Rockville, and Doris Hollister of Rochester Hills, Mich.

Donations in Susan's memory to the New London Marine Historical Society at the Customs House in New London, are suggested.

A celebration of Sue's life will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, at Quaker Hill Baptist Church, 144 Old Norwich Road, Quaker Hill. All are welcome.

Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, is assisting her family with the arrangements.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign her guest book, or to share a memory.