Suzanne Joseph Stephens

Suzanne J. Stephens, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet strength.

Born to Charlotte Freiberg and Harold Joseph, she was raised with a deep appreciation for education, compassion, and community. She was a proud graduate of Vassar College where she was a member of the Committee of 100 for low income housing for Poughkeepsie. She shared her parents' interest in working with people and spent her life involved in social service, teaching and in neurological, psychological and educational testing. Dedicating her professional life to helping others with empathy and dignity.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Whitman "Garry" Stephens; her cherished son, Whitman "Peter" Stephens; her parents; and her sister, Carol Thomas.

She is survived by her three daughters, Sheryl Schuster, Cindy Bloch, and Kathy Prevost, who were the center of her world. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and thirteen (and a half) great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.
She and Garry shared a full and vibrant life together, united by their love of travel, cooking, and time spent on the water. They raised their family in Andover, MA and then in retirement, moved to Harwich, where they became deeply involved in the local community. They served as herring wardens, participated actively in the Power Squadron, and shared their love of food and humor by hosting a local Cape Cod cable cooking show, Cooking for One, which reflected their creativity, warmth, and enjoyment of connecting with others.

In the last thirteen years of her life, she lived in California, where she continued her lifelong commitment to community and service. She warmly welcomed new residents to her assisted living community, worked in the library, served on the resident social committee, and generously volunteered her time reading to residents who had lost their sight. Her kindness, curiosity, and willingness to help remained constants, touching the lives of those around her every day.

Above all, she will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, generosity of spirit, and the deep love she held for her family. Her presence will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Friends of Pleasant Bay, P.O. Box 1243, Harwich, MA 01845.