Susan Maguire

Susan Maguire, age 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Walpole Healthcare in Walpole, Massachusetts.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on October 22, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Francis X. and Margaret (Furlong) Maguire.  Sue was raised in East Walpole, Massachusetts and graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1959.  She continued her education at Bridgewater State College, earning her bachelor's degree in 1963.

 

Following her college graduation, Sue made her home in Edgewood, Maryland, where she began her career in education at the high school, teaching both English and History.  In the early 1970s, Sue returned home to East Walpole and took a teaching position at Franklin High School and later at Millis High School, continuing to provide instruction in the subjects of English and History.  After her father, Francis, passed away in 1975, Sue left her teaching career and began working at her family's dog kennel and grooming business, Maguire Kennel, Inc, in East Walpole.  It was while working at the kennel that Sue found her passion for showing dogs, often traveling to shows around the country with her Norwegian Elk Hounds.  Often, she would return home from the shows with ribbons and awards for her dog's performance and poise.  Sue continued to be the face of Maguire Kennel until her retirement in 2020.

 

While she loved working with her dogs, Sue's true passion was for her hometown of Walpole, a community that she loved.  She was incredibly active in town politics and took tremendous pride in her civic volunteerism.  Central to Sue's neighborhood was the East Walpole Civic Association, where she spent countless hours planning to reach the goal of returning a vibrant commercial area to East Walpole.  She also took great pride in representing her community in precinct one at Town Meeting, ensuring her neighbor's voices were heard.  At a town wide level, Sue was a member of various committees and boards.  As an educator, Sue sat on the School Committee for several years, using her knowledge of the public school system to better the environment for students and teachers.  She went on to serve on the Permanent Building Committee, Finance Committee, and Capital Budget Committee, overseeing many projects throughout the town.  In 2001 and 2002, Sue served on the Board of Selectmen, always holding the best interests of her town at heart.  It wasn't all business when it came to her beloved hometown, as Sue enjoyed planning the 250th and 275th town anniversary festivities with her follow members of the Celebration Committees.

 

The seniors in her community held a special place in Sue's heart, serving them on the Council on Aging as a member and later chairperson.  She was a co-founder of the Friends of the Council on Aging, serving as past president, and was dedicated to providing her community with a senior center that her seniors could be proud of.  Her legacy lives on through the programs and outreach that the Walpole Senior Center provides today.

 

Sue is survived by her "daughter" and companion, Pamela Cutler of East Walpole and her brother Peter F. Maguire and his wife, Maureen, of Harwich.

She is the cherished aunt of Matthew Maguire and his wife, Christine, of Belmont, Mark Maguire and his wife, Kim, of Wrentham, and Molly Hood and her husband, Travis, of Sandwich; and is the great aunt of seven.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Sue's Life Celebration on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

 

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 9:30 AM, prior to Sue's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sue's name may be made to the Walpole Fire Department Ambulance Fund, 20 Stone Street, Walpole, MA 02081.