Suzanne Barton

Westbrook - Suzanne Cross Barton, 74, passed away from Parkinson's Disease on September 4, 2025, at her home in Westbrook, Maine. Born on August 1, 1951, in Brunswick, Maine, she was the daughter of Robert Melvin Cross and Julia Jeanette Cross.

Suzanne grew up in Brunswick as the middle child between her older brother Peter M. Cross and younger brother John R. Cross. She graduated from Brunswick High School in 1969 and went on to earn her degree from Colby College in the class of 1973.

Following college, Suzanne began working at the Pineland Center, where she met her future husband, Robert Barton. The two were married on April Fool's Day in 1978 and shared a devoted partnership for 47 years. Together they raised two children: Anna Cross Barton and Ethan Robert Barton. Suzanne left her position at Pineland in 1980 to focus on raising her family. After her children began school, she returned to the workforce at Pinetree Garden Seeds, where she worked for many years.

Later in life, Suzanne brought her warmth and talents to Choices Are For Everyone, working part-time with adults with behavioral health needs. Her intelligence, kindness, sense of humor, and sewing skills made a lasting impact on those she served.

A gifted quilter and craftswoman, Suzanne used her artistic talents to create numerous beautiful quilts and wall hangings that reflected both her creativity and care. She was known for making potholders that she often gave as gifts to friends and relatives-small tokens of love that continue to warm many homes.

Suzanne was a dedicated member of Minot Corner Methodist Church. There she taught Sunday School and participated actively in the Suzanna Wesley Circle, contributing her time and spirit to the church community.

Family was central to Suzanne's life. She was a loving wife to Robert Barton; a devoted mother to Anna; a cherished daughter; a caring sister; and a beloved aunt to nephews Joshua and Eben and nieces Emily, Lauren, and Audrey; loving companion to family dog, Artie. Her son Ethan tragically passed away in 1998 due to a hit-and-run incident involving a drunk driver-a loss that deeply marked the family but never diminished Suzanne's enduring love for him.

Following Ethan's death, Suzanne lobbied for, and successfully changed the state law on leaving the scene of a crash involving personal injuries from a misdemeanor to a felony. She also volunteered for victim impact panels to share her experience as the mother of a child killed by a drunk driver and facilitated Alternatives to Violence Project programs for inmates at the state prison in Windham.

Those who knew Suzanne remember her as intelligent, warm-hearted, giving, talented, loyal, and beautiful inside and out. Her presence brought light into every room she entered. She was deeply loved by her family and friends-and by anyone fortunate enough to know her.

May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing and joy to those who celebrate the life she lived so fully. A memorial will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine and The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland