Suzanne Danene Lafferty

1957 - 2025

Celebrating the Life of Suzanne Lafferty, 67, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home Monday, July 14, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family, a room full of flowers, her favorite songs and framed memories. A few days before passing, Suzanne smiled at Caitlin, saying, "We had so much fun, didn't we?"

Suzanne Danene Giles was born on September 22, 1957 in Fairmont, West Virginia. The majority of her childhood was spent in Elkins, WV and adulthood in Wake Forest, NC. Suzanne attended Elkins High School and graduated with her Elementary Education Degree at Fairmont State College. Suzanne spent her lifetime caring for and helping others.

Devoting 36 years in the classroom, Suzanne provided more than just curriculum education to her students. She made learning fun with her creativity and compassion. She fostered a love for reading and play. She empowered students to see and know the best qualities of themselves. Suzanne was this way, always seeing the good in you and making sure to tell you out loud or in a handwritten card. She was respected and admired by colleagues, awarded National Board Certification and Teacher of the Year twice.

Outside of career, Suzanne had countless close friendships and a dedication to making each day matter. She had 20 years of fun with her Bunco Group, fully committing to every theme! Suzanne liked to spend her days doing things and was never one to sit around. She'd hop up from the couch, saying with a clap, "ok, let's go!", rallying others to enjoy the day. She loved trees, art, reading, knitting blankets for others, drawing, and volunteering. She sent "Happy Whatever-Holiday" texts to everyone in her phone contacts, created games and celebrations for all large and small events, greeted any stranger wearing WVU with "Let's go Mountaineers!". She loved music, laughing, dancing, hiking, camping - each of these even more special with her loving life partner, Tom, by her side. Suzanne and Tom found joy in creating a welcoming home where they hosted many gatherings of family and friends.

Through all of Suzanne's many accomplishments and successes, nothing could ever match her immense pride and love for her daughter, Caitlin. Suzanne and Caitlin's relationship was the type of mother/daughter connection you pray for and many would reach out to share their admiration for.

Suzanne is survived by Tom Tarnowski, her loving life partner; Caitlin Lafferty, daughter and friend; Kelle and Bryan Tarnowski, children of life partner; Virginia Jane Giles, mother; Chris and Kelly Giles, brother and sister-in-law. Her father, Jack D. Giles, preceded her in death.

A celebration of Suzanne's wonderful life will be held on her birthday weekend at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest, NC. Please join us on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at 3pm, visitation the hour prior as we celebrate the Suzanne way - wearing colors, sharing our favorite memories, laughing, dancing, and making the day meaningful.