Sue L. Farinato

Sue Farinato Obituary

FARINATO SUE LUNSON FARINATO 1950 - 2011 Sue Lunson Farinato died unexpectedly in her home in Damascus, MD on October 25, 2011. Sue was a remarkably devoted and passionate animal lover and advocate. She embodied the best principles of animal protection: dedication, selflessness, and compassion. Born in Portsmouth, VA, in 1950, Sue began feeding baby foundling birds as a young child. She met her husband Richard when they both worked at the Franklin Park Zoo in Massachusetts in 1972. In 1987, she formed the group Peaceable Kingdom in South Carolina to promote animal protection and public education. As a 1991 newspaper profile of Sue's work stated, "Her idea of a peaceable kingdom is one where the rest of mankind would live in similar harmony with his surroundings - where the convenience of man would not be obtained at the expense of animals." As a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, Sue was involved in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for more than 17 years, caring for countless animals who were then released back into the wild. In 2007, she founded Wildlife Aid Brigade, a program through which she trained volunteers to assist animal shelters with wildlife-related calls, expanding the ability to help wildlife in need. Sue worked in a number of capacities at the Humane Society of the United States including outreach coordinator for the Wildlife Land Trust; issues information specialist for Animal Research Issues; animal services coordinator at Black Beauty Ranch in Texas; membership manager for its veterinary arm; and program associate for Pet Care Issues in Companion Animals. Bereaved include her husband, Richard H. Farinato; stepson, Lucas Farinato Webster; daughter-in-law, Kristie and grandchildren, Tristan and Brooke; sisters, Jane March and Tina Lunson; sister-in-law, Sarna Marcus; nieces, nephews and cousins here and in England. Scores of animals' lives were saved or enhanced in her hands and through her work. She touched the lives of all the beings around her in a profound way. Both the animal protection and wildlife rehabilitation communities mourn her loss, along with her family and friends. In her memory, donations may be made to the Maryland Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (www.MWRA.org), 661A Debold Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780 Online condolences may be shared with the family at MolesworthWilliams.comOnline condolences may be shared with the family at MolesworthWilliams.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Sue Farinato

12 Entries

cindy traisi

November 20, 2011

I loved Sue. She was in incredible woman. Rest in peace sweet friend.
Cindy Traisi

David and Jennifer Jacobson

November 11, 2011

We are Sue and Richard's neighbors in Damascus, MD. We feel great sadness at the loss of such a kind and gentle person. Sue's love and concern for people and animals was evident in everything she did. She helped us to better understand and coexist with all animals. She was always there to help whenever we had questions or issues pertaining to animals. She always greeted us with kind words and a smile. We will miss her very much.

Kelly Linthicum

November 4, 2011

I was shocked and devastated when I heard about Sue. I've know her for years and she is without a doubt the most incredible beautiful woman in the world. I made a point to visit her everyday when we worked together at Chestnut Lodge. Her kind demeanor and intoxicating smile was the light of my day. She dedicated her life to helping all living creatures. She helped me trap ferrel cats in my backyard about 14 years ago and I still have 2 of them living with me. We shared so many fun times together. I wish I could have seen her more. My thoughts and prayers are with Richard and the family. I will always cherish the memories and will continue to love Sue for the rest of my days. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Ellen Rafferty

November 2, 2011

I worked with Sue at Chestnut Lodge for many years where we became good friends. Over the last several years, we didn't get to see each other as much as we would have liked, but we did stay in contact. I'll never forgot Sue insisting that she was going to climb a huge tree on the Lodge property that was going to be cut down to save a hawk and her nest or watching Sue nurse the baby bunnies back to health. There are so many memories filled with laughter, tears, and fun that I will never forget. Love you Sue! You will be missed by so many.

Anne Lewis

November 1, 2011

We are all devastated by the sudden loss of Sue, our dear friend, mentor, consultant, educator, and angel for wildlife. Sue did so much for the animals themselves, but she also did as much for people. She validated our ideas, offered sound guidance for our plans, shared every scrap of her valuable experience with others, and contributed vastly to the professionalization of wildlife rehabilitation. Her training of volunteer wildlife rescuers was effective and vitally needed, but as important was her generous gift of time, expertise, and yes, consolation and understanding when things didn't quite go as planned. Sue was an inspiration and source of strength for us all. We have all -- all her friends, family, and especially our beloved wildlife -- lost an angel. May she be in a place of peace and harmony, where kindness and respect for animals are a universal value.

Anne Lewis and all of us at City Wildlife.

Nancy McCarrell

November 1, 2011

I lived next door to Sue & Richard here in Greenville and learned a lot from her about caring for animals both domestic and wild. I was shocked to hear of her death but know she is enjoying seeing Rose, Simon and her many "children" again.

November 1, 2011

Sue was a great help to me at Second Chance and I will miss her very much. She was a kind and compassionate voice for all animals. I will fondly remeber her. Kathleen Handley

October 31, 2011

Sue was as dedicated as it gets concerning wildlife. Her Wildlife Aid Brigade reunited and renested many baby birds and mammals. I loved her soft manner and tough resolve. She was always there for me and many other wildlife rehabilitaters. I miss her - a lot. Roxy Brandenburg

Leslie Porter

October 31, 2011

Sue walked softly with a big heart. She was the silent type with a wicked sense of humor just under the skin. Sue's unexpected passing has left many of us speechless with great concern for her husband, Richard. Sue was a dedicated hands-on animal advocate who made a lasting difference for numerous wild animals in need. God bless you, sister!

Linda Winter

October 31, 2011

Anyone who knew Sue knows they have lost a true friend. She was always so patient with people who called with animal-related issues. She expertly nursed back to health a baby squirrel, even bringing him to work when he needed round the clock feeding. She always expressed interest in how my son was doing in school. I really miss her.

Tracy Coppola

October 31, 2011

Sue was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. I had the honor of working with her as the first volunteer for Wildlife Aid Brigade, and I continued the program throughout the past few summers. She was always supporting and encouraging me. Every time we spoke, I learned something and her energy emboldened me to seek the most approachable and humane solutions to keep wild families alive and together in the field.
I will always remember and love Sue, and I am honored to have known her.
-Tracy Coppola
Alexandria, VA

Krista Rakovan

October 31, 2011

Sue was one of the most kind and compassionate people I've ever known. She was always there for me when I called needing advice or help. Sue saved thousands of lives and will be dearly missed. Thank you for making the world a better place.

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