Susan Werkhoven

Werkhoven, Susan
Susan Werkhoven, 67, of Washington, died on May 10, 2014 with her loving husband, son and daughter by her side. Susan was born on March 19, 1947 in Hartford, CT. She was the daughter of Edmund and Eleanor (Neff) Magdefrau. Susan spent her childhood years in the house that her father built in Ellington, CT. From an early age, Susan's life was shaped by the importance of sharing both simple and special moments together as a family. She enjoyed Sunday dinners, singing church and camp songs, and going out for ice cream. Susan graduated as valedictorian of Ellington High School in 1965 and went on to get her Bachelor of Arts from Colby College. Susan later received her Master's in Education from Western Connecticut State University. After graduating from Colby, she married her best friend and high school sweetheart, David Werkhoven, on June 14, 1969.
Susan and David moved to Washington, CT in 1971, and they built a life filled with love and family adventures. Susan was the heart of their home and of her family. She devoted herself fully and selflessly to caring for David and her children. There was always a home-cooked meal and fresh-baked cookies. She cheered her kids on the sports' fields and took pride in their accomplishments. In 1985, she and David took their children on the adventure of a lifetime, driving their Chevy station wagon 9500 miles across the country to visit national parks and experience the beauty of America. Susan was a true academic and a lifelong teacher and student. She taught math at The Gunnery in Washington, CT for 25 years, and especially loved to teach Calculus. She tutored many neighbors and friends along the way and always loved the challenge of a good math problem. Susan was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Washington where she served in many roles over the years on the Trustees, Deacons, Education Committee, Memorials Committee, Green Fair Committee, Pilgrim Fellowship advisor, Sunday school teacher and chair of the Missions Committee She also served on the Zoning Commission in Washington for 13 years. Susan loved to read and to go for walks, especially on the trails in Washington and on the beach in Madison, CT. In recent years, she and David enjoyed summers at their beach house in Madison and traveling to new places together. Nothing brought Susan more joy than her four grandchildren. She knit for them and sang to them and loved them with all her heart. In addition to David, Susan leaves behind her son Scott Werkhoven and his wife Lauren Cook Werkhoven of Washington, her daughter Karen Werkhoven Purtschert and her husband Adrian Purtschert of Andover, MA and beloved grandchildren Julie, Molly, Lexie and Drew. She also leaves her sister Carol Bowman and her husband Richard Bowman of Rockville, CT, her brother Stuart Magdefrau and his wife Jamy Magdefrau of Ellington, CT, as well as her nephews and niece. A celebration of Susan's life will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. at The First Congregational Church of Washingon, CT with reception immediately following at the church. Susan faced her battle with cancer with grace and courage. With Susan's spirit of giving to others in mind, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Citizen's Scholarship Fund, the Missions Committee of the First Congregational Church of Washington, or a cancer research organization of your choice. The Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School Street assisted the family with the arrangements.