AMHERST -- Susan Stoeckly Stitt died March 28, 2011, in her home, from breast cancer.
She was born in 1946 in Marblehead, Mass. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Hope College, in Holland, Mich., where she met and fell in love with a local hooligan, Steve Stitt, her future husband of 41 years.
She was a lifelong Girl Scout, inspiring many young women through her work; trustee of the Bean Foundation; member of the Amherst School Board for nine years, chairperson for seven of those years; and the town witch, Esmeralda, who visited Amherst's public schools for years to educate students about the difference between reality and make-believe.
IN HER LIFE: She loved performing at the theatre, acting and singing in many PTA plays as well as professionally at area theatres and singing with a New Hampshire choral group that traveled throughout China. She loved to cook and was always eager to try new recipes for her family and friends.
Her most recent passion involved her work as an operations manager at Hewlett-Packard. It allowed her to travel around the world and visit her colleagues in Europe, Singapore, India, China and Colombia.
Sue is survived by her husband, Steve; daughters Jess, Liz and Rachel; her sons-in-law, Christos and Christopher; her grandson, Ajax; her mother, Roberta; her siblings, Robert and Jean; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: There will be an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Sue's family home in Amherst. Friends are invited to celebrate Sue's life and passions with her family.
Memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen For the Cure, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, or to a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Chris Yarges
April 15, 2011
I was very sad when I found out that Sue lost her battle with Cancer. She was a wonderful individual and a great person to work with. When you spoke on the phone with her it wasn't always about work. We would talk about family and the baking she did. She will be sorely missed by everyone at HP.
Spencer Liles
April 13, 2011
I only knew Sue and Steve briefly before they left Massachusetts. (Her family and mine have been acquainted for a long time, but she and I were a few years apart.) Even so, I vividly recall her warm and giving spirit that was shared so generously with her friends and community. My heart goes out to her family, and to Steve in particular. Sue is irreplaceable.
Katherine Keena
April 7, 2011
Sue was a wonderful volunteer...full of vigor and energy and song. My deepest condolences to Steve, their daughters and wider family.
Peggy Silva
April 2, 2011
Sue Stitt helped to form the character of our small town. Always active in town and school events, Sue was everywhere doing everything. She raised her daughters to be curious and compassionate. She lived her life with a strong moral compass.
Joanne Snow
April 1, 2011
I loved sitting in the stands at our children's sporting events and having a great conversation with Sue while Steve helped coach the teams. I was saddened to learn of her passing. I have such fond memories.
March 31, 2011
My most heartfelt sympathies. I had the pleasure of meeting Sue while serving as Bean Foundation Trustees. She was such an interesting, fun and intelligent woman. I am truly saddened. May God bless her soul and give you all comfort.
Warmly,
Nury Marquez (Reston, VA)
Josephine Fang
March 31, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Steve and family. I remember Sue as a vibrant, highly intelligent and caring person, who could contribute to any subject, yet enjoyed the simple activity of teaching the children how to decorate gingerbread houses. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how much happiness you gave her!
March 30, 2011
The staff and trustees of the Norwin and Elizabeth Bean Foundation are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, colleague, and immediate past chair. Sue's wisdom, insight, and generosity of spirit were great assets to the foundation, and her contributions will be greatly missed.
We extend our condolences to all Sue touched.
Kathy Cook
Jay Dinkle
Tom Donovan
Selma Naccach-Hoff
David Scannell
Bill Steele
Michael Whitney

Sue in 1999
Jim Crawford
March 30, 2011
Sue was a wonderful person, a rare combination of intellect, practicality, and love. She touched us all in so many ways. We have many fond memories of her stories, her dinners, easter egg hunts, and gingerbread houses. We miss you Sue.
Jim Stitt
March 30, 2011
Steve & Family, I will miss Sue and all the fun my family and I had when ever we visited. I've got a lot of good memories of her. I've always looked up to her and admired her.
Kristie Gray (Sanfacon)
March 30, 2011
Steve and Girls,
Thank you for sharing your Wife and Mom with so many people. She was a very special woman who did so much for our town. My thoughts are with each of you.
Tina Case
March 30, 2011
It is with shock that I learned of Sue's passing. I worked with Sue at HP for several years and was always impressed by her professionalism, candor and positive attitude. It was a joy working with her. We never met in person, always by phone. She taught me a great deal when I worked with her. She is in my thoughts and my deep sympathies go out to her family.
Warm regards,
Tina Case, Saratoga, CA
March 30, 2011
We always loved you sharing your husband with us during many long basketball seasons. I know you were cheering for the kids every year and I always admired how much joy you took in seeing your husband's joy. Bless you and your family,The Wessons
Amy Delgado
March 30, 2011
In honor of one of the most amazing women I ever met. Sue, you will always be the person I aspire to be when I "grow up". I miss you already. Steve & girls, I wish you peace during this difficult time and joy in your memories. You are in my prayers.
Ray Stitt
March 30, 2011
Will miss your discussions. Didn't get to see you as much as I should have. My regrets but I always admired your intellect and outspoken personality
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more