Suellen Heinrich
August 18, 2024
Suellen Austin Heinrich, 77, of Guilford, CT, passed away on August 18th.
Suellen was born on April 16th, 1947, to Ellen Megivern Austin and Alvin E. Austin in Grand Forks, ND. After Suellen graduated from St. James High School in 1965, she went on to study Social Work at the University of North Dakota, earning a Bachelor's degree in 1969. While she was in college, Suellen met J. Jeffrey Heinrich in Colchester, VT. They married in 1970 and moved to CT in 1973. Suellen started her career at the Guilford Free Library in 1974 as a library assistant in the children's department. In 1977, Suellen took a leave of absence from the library when she and Jeff had their child, John Joseph Heinrich. She served as a Registrar of Voters for the Town of Guilford from 1988-1995. Suellen returned to work as a substitute librarian in Guilford Public Schools from 1990-1992, then rejoined the Guilford Free Library as the children's librarian in 1992. She obtained a master's degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University in 2000. During her 20+ years at the library, Suellen reached thousands of kids through her infamous story time reads. She is remembered by those generations, and she remembered every one of them. In 2014, Suellen retired to spend her time with friends and family. Suellen was predeceased by her husband Jeff Heinrich, as well as her parents, brother-in-law Morgan Lacy, and niece Jocelyn Williams Matcha. She is survived by her son John Heinrich and daughter-in-law Anna Luciano of Somerville, MA; her sister Sheila Austin Lacy of Fessenden, ND; and her in-laws Pamela and Bruce MacPherson of South Burlington, VT; Mark and Starleen Heinrich of Kingwood, TX; William Heinrich of Colchester, VT; Thomas and Theresa Heinrich of Southern Pines, NC; and Mary Alice and Nicholas Aloi of Burlington, VT. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. George Catholic Church in Guilford on Saturday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Guilford Free Library. Arrangements are with the Hawley Lincoln Memorial, Guilford.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Aug. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Suellen Heinrich

Sponsored by NHRegister.com.

6 Entries

The Murrays

Planted Trees

Patricia Gausvik

August 31, 2024

My connection to Suellen goes back to 1947 when our mothers shared a room at the old St Mikes Hospital in Grsnd Forks. Sullen was born on the 16th and I was born on the 17th. Our mutual love of politics also brought us together. Remembering going to State Young Democrat meetings in Bismarck in the late 50s. And pitting up JFK posters around town in 1960. Your sense of duty and patriotism always was evident. May God bless you and your family, especially Sheila who grieve your loss. RIP Suellen.

Keith Bjerk

August 26, 2024

It´s always sad to see our old friends and classmates leave us so soon. As a student at St. James, she blessed us with her beautiful smile and cheerful demeanor. Hers was a voice I still hear cheering us on, whether in hockey or football, win or lose. She was small and I´m a big guy, more than once she patted me on the back and tried to cheer me up after a loss. It sounds as though those traits were prevalent throughout her life, I´m happy to see that. God bless her family our love and prayers are with you.

Linda Ragozzine

August 23, 2024

John, we are so very sorry to hear about your beautiful Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May you find comfort knowing your Mom is now at peace, and also in knowing what a wonderful, caring son you were to your her. Sincerely, Linda Ragozzine (John´s Mom)

Kathy VonNessen

August 22, 2024

Sorry for your loss
I had the opportunity to meet Suellen at the library but also she was my sister best friend. Nancy always shared her fun times with your mom and all the updates of her health issues. She had a beautiful smile that she shared with everyone she met.
Will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Kathy VonNessen

Kristine Noon

August 21, 2024

I am so very sorry to be reading this about Sue Ellen ..I worked with her at the GFL and she was always just the kindest sweetest person .. perfect for how she was as the Children's Librarian ..just the nicest person and I' m sad seeing this.. I send my sincere condolences to Sue Ellen's family and I know Heaven gained a beautiful Angel... Too soon... May her memory be a blessing and May she Rest In Peace ...so very sorry for your loss. Thank you Sue Ellen for always your support and kind words. Rest In Peace.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results