Susan Nordbeck

Susan Nordbeck, heralding from Easton, passed away on September 2, in Naples, Fla., at the age of 77. The daughter of Helen and Richard Sproul, Susan grew up on Depot Street and attended Oliver Ames High School. She finished her high school career graduating from the prestigious Thayer Academy in Braintree. Susan remained a longtime resident of Easton, where she raised her two sons, David and Gregg. In 1985, Susan married her high school classmate and soulmate, Leonard Nordbeck. They were very happily married for 25 years until Lenny's passing in 2010. Susan touched the hearts of many people over the years. Her compassion for those in need was unwavering. She spent a majority of her career as the Head of Volunteer Services and Patient Advocacy at Cardinal Cushing Hospital in Brockton. In her retirement, she volunteered her time to Florida's Guardian Ad Litem Program where she helped provide best interest advocacy for neglected, abused or abandoned children, giving them a voice in court and helping them find loving, permanent homes. Anyone who knew Susan knows she was also a lover of animals. Every horse, dog, cat, bird, gerbil, rabbit or otherwise lucky enough to live in her house or in her yard were all deeply spoiled. Sue was also known as a prankster who always surprised her friends and family with a great laugh. That was one of her mottos "Never take life or yourself too seriously." What some might not know is that Sue was also a very talented painter, winning many awards and accolades in her later years. Susan retired to Naples, Florida, in 1997 with Lenny. They enjoyed boating, entertaining and it would seem, befriending every person they ever met. But over her lifespan, more than anywhere else, Susan felt most at home on the mid-coast of Maine. She spent her summers visiting the Pemaquid region and introduced many family members and friends to the area. Quite simply, Maine was her beacon. Susan is survived by her sons, David (and Lisa) Taylor and Gregg (and Terri) Taylor; her stepsons, Lenny (and Debbie) Nordbeck, Larry (and Jennifer) Nordbeck, and Tim (and Michelle) Nordbeck; her grandsons, Samuel, Luke, Joseph and Benjamin Taylor; her step-grandchildren, Seth, Jake, Tyler, Nicholas, Taylor, Victoria and Nate Nordbeck; and her brother, Richard Sproul. Her legacy will live on in each of them. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly encourages you to make a donation to the Humane Society of America in Susan's name. She would be thrilled to know family and friends were helping to stop the unnecessary cruelty to animals. Those who would like to join her family in celebrating Susan's life are invited to come by Porticello's, 454 Turnpike Street, in Easton, at 4 p.m. October 3.