SUSAN RACHEL MCHUGH

McHUGH, Susan Rachel (Papanek) Passed from this life, at age 66, on June 20, 2022 after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Steve; their daughters, Rachel (Binford) of Wilmette, IL and Caroline of Brooklyn, NY; son-in-law, Dennis Binford; and granddaughter, Daisy Suzanne Binford. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Papanek, and his wife, Robyn, of San Rafael, CA; and her sister, Deborah, and husband, Cris Ferreira, of Mahopac, NY. She was very fond of her uncle Gus; cousin Joanne; and an extended family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and high school, college, and community friends. Sue was the oldest daughter of George Papanek and Miriam Lewin, whose families escaped Europe before the Holocaust. That background set her on her course as an attorney, mediator, and advocate. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 1977 and went on to earn her law degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Sue began her legal career with Robinson & Cole in Hartford, CT in 1981 and then moved to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office as an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division. She next joined the counsel's office at the Massachusetts Department of Education and later became a Mediator for the Bureau of Special Education Appeals. After Sue retired in 2010, she served as an advocate for children with special needs in Massachusetts schools. Sue was a longtime resident of Arlington and a faithful member of Temple Shir Tikvah, Winchester. In 1993, she co-founded the Town's Human Rights Commission and served as its first Chair. Sue volunteered extensively for a variety of other town and school activities, including tutoring early English-learners at the Hardy School. She was the VP of Education on the Temple board for several years. Sue was a ready listener with the patience and interest to learn and care for others. Her curious nature, keen insight, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed. Donations in Sue's honor may be made to the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park, Arlington (https://friendsofmenotomy.org/). The family is planning a local Celebration of Life gathering this Fall.