Susan Kay Kauffman

Waterford - Susan Kay (Trautman) Kauffman, 77, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2020. She battled Alzheimer's disease with grace, dignity and persistence for many years. She leaves the love of her life, her husband, Lee Gagnon.

Sue was the only child of the late Charles and Ruth Trautman. She learned unconditional love from her father and she bestowed such upon her children: Kim (Pete) Bates of East Lyme, Scot (Tracy) Kauffman of Hebron, and Jennifer (Chandler) Stroh of Houston, Texas. Her children and grandchildren always brought a light to her eyes when she thought of them, let alone when she got to spend time with them. She loved her grandchildren with all her heart: Andy, Tim, and Julia Bates, Kathryn and Brandon Kauffman, and Suzie and Alex Granados and Tristan Stroh. She also leaves her stepchildren and their families: Deborah Tymm, Mike Gagnon, Steve Gagnon, Terry Driscoll, Becky Anders and Dan Gay; as well as many cousins, especially Genny Smyers Buxton of Bath, Maine.

She was raised in Cheswick, Pa. and graduated from Springdale High School. She earned a degree from Gettysburg College, including spending a semester at American University working with the Soviet delegation. She obtained her master's degree from the University of Connecticut.

Sue raised her children, worked at Sobstad Sailmakers, taught at Parish Hill High School and was assistant principal and then principal of Granby Memorial Middle School. She thrived on her work with her students and staff and greatly enjoyed the annual eighth grade trips to Washington, D.C. She also loved exchanging barbs with anyone with a quick wit!

She and Lee spent their retirement in Farmington, Charlestown, R.I. and Port Orange, Fla. prior to moving to Waterford. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed their trips to Europe and Russia. They participated in ballroom dancing competitions and enjoyed gathering with friends and family.

Her family is grateful to the caregivers at Atria, Vitas and the 5.2 staff at L+M Hospital for the care, kindness and friendship they gave Sue. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a celebration of Sue's life at a later date.

Among her many volunteer pursuits, she was most passionate about working with The Interval House. In lieu of flowers, she and her family would appreciate donations be made in her memory to The Interval House, PO Box 340207, Hartford, CT 06134.

The Neptune Society is in charge of arrangements. Please visit obituaries.neptunesociety.com to leave her family an online condolence.