Susan R. Fletcher
December 25, 1946 ~ January 12, 2024
Susan R. Fletcher, 77, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated community servant, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony V. Fletcher, who predeceased her in 2005.
She was born in Washington, D.C., on Christmas Day, 1946, to the late Albert and Ruth (Franzen) Leghorn. Raised and educated on Long Island, Susan was a graduate of Herricks High School. She furthered her education at SUNY Potsdam.
A resident of the North Shore for more than fifty years, Susan's professional journey began at the Salem Planning Department. Her passion for community work led her to become the executive secretary to the Topsfield Board of Selectmen, and eventually, she served as the Assistant Director of Planning and Human Services for the Town of Danvers. Susan's time in Danvers spanned over 30 years, during which she dedicated herself tirelessly to the betterment of the community, retiring in 2019.
Beyond her professional achievements, Susan's life was rich with personal passions and relationships. She was an avid gardener, finding joy and peace in the beauty of her garden and the outdoors. Her dedication to her family was unparalleled. She adored her son, Warren Madison, her daughter-in-law, Charlotte Edberg, and her cherished grandchildren, Izabel and Colin, who brought immense joy to her life.
Susan's love for social gatherings, particularly those involving a glass of Chardonnay with dear friends, was well-known.
A proponent of community involvement, Susan also contributed significantly as a board member of the North Shore Community Actions Programs, where her insights and leadership were invaluable, and as a member of the First Universalist Church in Salem.
She was predeceased by a brother, James Leghorn.
Visiting hours are Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. All other services are private. Kindly omit flowers. In honor of Susan's legacy, donations may be made to the North Shore Community Action Programs, 119 Rear Foster Street, Building 13, Peabody, MA 01960, online at www.nscap.org. Guestbook at lyonsfuneral.com.
Sue is my cousin. She was my aunt Ruthie‘s daughter and since there was only my mom and her mom in the family they were close. We were in Illinois and Sue was in on Long Island and they would come visit every summer. I was always so impressed by Sue confidence and her ability to make people feel welcome whether a friend or stranger. Sue came to visit a number of years ago and we had a wonderful time my sister and I and then she was able to visit my mom who was in her nursing home. My mother enjoyed the visit so much as we did . We didn’t get together but when we did, we enjoyed every minute. Everyone will miss her kindness and energy. Thank you for such a beautiful memory.
Susan and I met on the Board of Directors at North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP). Her insights were valuable, and her dedication inspiring. We became friends, enjoying meals, wine, and loving the beautiful area we live in. Her sense of humor was fantastic, and her irreverent take on the follies of humanity always made me laugh. Susan was loving and open minded. She worked to make the world a better place. She loved her family deeply, and valued her friends. I will miss her. But I’m thankful we were friends.
Kind, strong, smart and professional Susan was a gift to the Town of Danvers. I learned so much from her in the short time we worked together. I admired her work ethic and dedication to smart town planning and preservation. We lost a great deal when she left us. I won’t forget her. Rest in Peace Susan.
I met Susan at town hall as she helped me thru the permit process for our pier back in the early 80s. She was so helpful and we became friends. Then when she and Tony decided to get married she asked me to marry them at their house since I was a Justice of the Peace. I was honored to be part of their special day. Our friendship continued then when her Tony passed away and a year later my husband, Tony, passed away, we would have dinners together and try to help each other grieve. Susan’s proudest times were talking about her son, Warren, and his family, and her visits to Sweden. I’ve enjoyed watching her posts since I’ve moved away. I’m so sad to hear of her passing. I pray she did not suffer. My deepest condolences to Warren and your family, the loves of her life.
Susan was one of my first friends when I moved to MA over 40 years ago. Susan welcomed me and showed her true character the first day- her humble countenance, laid back personality, wonderful sense of humor and subtle but profound common sense and wisdom. Always a sport and a fun hostess. “Hi there” and a glass of white wine, and smile- I will miss her. Susan was one of a kind. Rest In Peace, dear friend. Barb H.