Susan B. Robitaille

Susan B. Robitaille, a retired Registered Nurse, devoted family woman, and a person who brought joy into the lives of everyone she met, passed away suddenly on December 26, 2025. She was 75 years old.

Susan was born in Malone, New York, the daughter of Robert and Joan Bouvier. She grew up in Albany, New York, and was a proud graduate of Colonie High School, Class of 1968. She went on to further her education by earning her Registered Nursing degree at Springfield Hospital, located on the campus of Springfield College. It was there that she met her future husband, Joe Robitaille, a Springfield College student and member of the football team. Introduced through mutual friends, they first met at a local tavern. A romance soon followed, and they married in 1972, beginning a fun, exciting, and loving life together.

Susan enjoyed a long and meaningful career as a Registered Nurse, serving in a wide variety of roles. She began her career in a hospital setting, but after welcoming three children in five years, she transitioned to private duty nursing in Cambridge. Once her children were settled in school, Susan returned to nursing full time, working at Belmont Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She later concluded her nursing career at Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley, a place that became especially dear to her heart.

Susan embraced life with gusto and vigor. She pursued her passions wholeheartedly and always did so with style and elegance. Upbeat, optimistic, and fun-loving, she wanted every event, gathering, and trip to be "the best it could be." Sitting idle was never an option-Susan was fully "all in" on life and every moment it offered.

An avid gardener, Susan took great pride in the flower beds surrounding her home, which were stunning-bursting with color, constant blooms, and worthy of a magazine spread. She also had a deep love of travel and adventure, exploring the world with enthusiasm and curiosity. Her travels took her to Italy, Portugal, Iceland, Ireland, the Caribbean, Greece, Spain, and many other exotic and memorable destinations. Sometimes she traveled with Joe, other times with her sister Trish and brother-in-law Patrick, and for her 75th birthday, Susan joyfully brought her entire family on a cruise to Bermuda.

Susan was always the planner, researching destinations, selecting the best hotels, activities, and excursions, and serving as the family's enthusiastic tour director. All her family and friends had to do was pack their bags and be ready for an adventure-one she never failed to deliver. Often, she was already planning her next trip before the current one had even ended.

Susan and Joe also shared a passion for boating. Over the years, they owned several boats and jokingly fell victim to the "two-foot disease," always dreaming of the next bigger and grander vessel. Most recently, they enjoyed their 34-foot boat, docked at Liberty Marina in Danvers. Their beloved boat, fittingly named Slipaweigh, became their summer home, where they spent countless days and nights living aboard. Together, they cruised as far north as Bar Harbor, Maine, and as far south as Annapolis, Maryland, along with shorter trips to Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island. Joe proudly served as captain and navigator, while Susan was his devoted first mate. They loved sharing their boating adventures with their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends-and Joe always made sure Susan had a beautiful sunset to enjoy.

Susan's unexpected passing is deeply difficult to accept. She was so full of energy, enthusiasm, and life, with so much still ahead of her-another trip to Italy, family celebrations, and the simple joy of growing old alongside Joe. She had just shared a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family and friends, and as always, she was the life of the party-the spark, the laughter, and the glue that kept her family bonded together with love.

Susan leaves behind heavy hearts, but also a lifetime of cherished memories and stories that will be held close and passed on. May her memory bring not sadness, but joy-for the beautiful way she lived, loved, and made the world brighter for all who knew her.

Susan as the beloved wife of 53 years of Joseph Robitaille. She was the loving and supportive mother of Matthew Robitaille & his wife Jennifer of Burlington, Michael Robitaille of Tewksbury, and Allison Robitaille & her partner Robert Sullivan of Wakefield. She was the cherished friend and sister of Trish Swezey & her husband Patrick of Bellmore, NY and Craig Bouvier & his wife Elaine of Rensselaerville, NY. She was the fun and proud "MiMi" to Madison, Ava, Jake, Max, Shannon, and Shane Robitaille. She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials in Susan's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.