Longtime resident, community volunteer
Suzanne M. Powderly, 61, died peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 7, surrounded by her family, at her home in Still River.
She was born Suzanne Michaeli Palmatier in Stuttgart, Germany, to Charles and Helga Palmatier on Sept. 21, 1947. Her father Charles predeceased her.
After her marriage to Richard (Dick) D. Powderly Jr. in September 1969, Suzanne and Dick made their home in Still River, with their children. She was an active member of St. Theresa’s parish, where she taught Sunday school, served in ministries, and actively raised money to benefit the church community. She was a member of the Harvard Finance Committee, the Harvard Woman’s Club, and the Harvard Garden Club, and was a board member for the Nashoba Community Hospital Auxiliary.
Suzanne’s work life was varied but included child and home care, secretarial work, teaching, and retail. The work she truly treasured was that of giving back to the community and people around her. She had an “I will do it” attitude and did it all very well. Beyond her strong bond with the community, it is her family that brought her immeasurable joy. Family was first above all else for Suzanne. Her grandchildren, especially, have been a source of smiles and laughter. Suzanne’s love was deep and strong and will be missed and treasured by all who knew her.
Suzanne is survived by her husband, Dick; sons Richard (Dan) and his wife Kristin of Harvard and Michael and his wife Trisha of Westport, Conn.; and daughter Meghan of Harvard. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Sacha, Richard, Nicole, Amelie, and Chloe, as well as her mother Helga of Converse, Texas, and sister Dorothy of Pepperell.
A funeral mass was held at St. Theresa’s Saturday, Oct. 11. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Suzanne’s name to Mustard Seed, care of St. Theresa’s of the Little Flower Parish, 15 Still River Road, Harvard, MA or the S.A.F.E. Fire Safety Fund, 13 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA. Arrangements by Hamilton-McGaffigan Funeral Home.
