Suzanne B. Astolfi Darrah
July 26, 1956 ~ November 4, 2022
TOPSFIELD -- Suzanne B. Astolfi Darrah, 66, passed away at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on November 4, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Arch and Eva (Berube) Astolfi. A Danvers native, she graduated from Danvers High School in 1974 and then enrolled in Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Newton, MA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Boston College and then her Master of Fine Arts from Boston University.
Suzanne turned her love of the arts into a lifetime of teaching at several North Shore public schools, starting at Peabody's Higgins Junior High School and then Gloucester High School. After taking time off for the birth of her daughter Heather in 1992, she returned as a regional art and music substitute teacher. She ultimately became an esteemed Georgetown art teacher, first at Perley Elementary School and finally at Penn Brook School.
Believing in the complete art experience and talented in many of its disciplines, Suzanne taught painting, drawing, clay work, screen printing, 3-D creations, weaving, and photography. Through the years Suzanne also volunteered her time and energy with many organizations, including the Girl Scouts, the Northeastern Avicultural Society, and Trinity Church in Topsfield. She enjoyed knitting for many charities and could often be found with a knitting project bag at her feet. She also took great pleasure in her own sketching, gardening, sewing, and music. In her later years she and her daughter both took an interest in aviation and traveling.
Suzanne is survived by her husband Richard Darrah of Topsfield; her daughter Heather Darrah of Troy, Ohio; and her 30-year friend and companion Peter Filtranti of Topsfield. She is also survived by siblings Mark Astolfi of Danvers; David Astolfi of Littleton; Thomas Astolfi and Amy Astolfi, both of New Hampshire; and many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 10:00AM in Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 River Rd, Topsfield. Visitation will be from 4-7PM on Monday, November 14, 2022, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Suzanne’s name to Trinity Episcopal Church, 124, River Rd., Topsfield, MA, 01983. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com
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Suzanne and I worked together at North Shore Community College. I was always so impressed with her ability to connect with her students of all ages and backgrounds. Suzanne made this world a more beautiful place by her interactions with others and by helping her students express themselves through art. Her greatest achievement was inspiring her daughter to become a magnificent woman with her love and devotion.
Sorry to hear about your loss Heather. My condolences to you are your family. May GOD comfort your hearts in this trying time. Sincerely, Jack.
I am so sad to hear of Suzanne’s passing. I enjoyed talking to her so much at the Bird Club meeting. She will be missed. You are all in my thoughts during this sad time.
Virginia
Have my condolences, Heather. My heart goes to you and your family. May God give you the strength to go through this. Take heart. Rest well Suzanne
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of this beautiful person. I first met Suzanne through Girl Scouts, then I worked with her at North Shore Community College. She gave amazing art lessons to my daughter and God daughter. She also helped me finish knitting projects whenever I got stuck. She was a truly beautiful soul. Heather, sending you lots of love and my condolences on the loss of your mother.
Lit a candle in memory of Suzanne B. Astolfi Darrah
Lit a candle in memory of Suzanne B. Astolfi Darrah
I am sorry to hear of Suzanne’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Suzanne during the 80s. What a wonderful, bright, artistic, and giving woman. My condolences to her family and friends. Paul Cleri. Long Island, NY.