Susan Digney Burrows

Susan Digney Burrows, 82, died at her home on March 13, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. She lived in Stuart, Florida, for over 45 years. Susan was born on July 10, 1942, to the late John and Marie Digney. Susan was the first of five children – four girls and one boy.
Susan was raised in the idyllic, little town of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and attended Ho-Ho-Kus Grammar School and St. Luke's High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Trenton State College and a master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. It was at St. Luke's High School that Susan looked out a window and saw a class of special ed children walk by and decided "that's what I want to do."
And, that is exactly what she did for the rest of her life. Starting with her sophomore year in high school, Susan volunteered at a local ARC day camp, which she continued all through high school and college.
Susan went on to become the Principal of The Challenger School in Stuart, retiring in 2008 after 20 years as Principal. Susan's dedication to special ed did not stop with retirement. She was appointed to the Martin County Children's Services Council by Gov. DeSantis in 2018 and was also involved with the Hope Center for Autism and ARC of Martin County. One of the programs of which she was most proud is the Golden Heart Award program, which honors siblings who have shown extraordinary support and love toward a disabled sibling. This program became recognized both state-wide and nationally.
Susan will be deeply missed by her family including: her children Nancy Jessee (Chris), Patty Palumbo (Lenny), Bob Totilas (Jessie), her step-children Scott Burrows, Mark Burrows (Dawn), her grandchildren Samantha Burrows, Krista Jesse, Megan Jesse, Tiffany Palumbo (Nathan), Daniel Stewart Christopher Stewart, Amber Totilas, Wylie Totilas, Bodie Totilas, her great-great grandchildren Coralie Willin, Brielle Willin, her sisters Pat Palmer (Lansing), Joan Schmid (Dave), Lois Huntington (Tom), her brother Mike Digney (Mary), and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Tom Burrows.
Susan had a fun, loving & giving spirit that created enduring friendships and epic memories with everyone she touched.
A funeral and celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Forest Hill's Funeral Home, 2001, SW Murphy Road, Stuart, FL @ 11:00 am, followed by a reception at Willoughby Golf Club.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Susan's favorite charity Golden Heart. Donate through Venmo or Zelle with Nancy Jessee'.