Susan Sullivan DeWinter, extraordinary teacher, artist, sailor, gardener, traveler, died after a short illness on January 5, 2011 near her homes in Hingham and Boston, Massachusetts. She was 71 years old.

Susan DeWinter embodied the virtues of a renaissance woman. Talented in art and language acquisition, voracious in her reading, endlessly curious about the world, she brought a broad and deep knowledge to every project she tackled. She spent most of her career teaching youngsters, in Worcester and Newton, MA, in Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, and in Ithaca, NY, where she soon developed a reputation for being able to teach children with a wide variety of learning styles. In Ithaca she taught both the primary and intermediate grades, as well as gifted education. In 1997, after 23 years in Ithaca, she was hired to revise the science curriculum for the schools of Chelsea, MA.

Following her work in Chelsea, Susan embarked on a career as a freelance artist, decorating children's furniture and creating and enhancing original birth announcements. She worked as a consultant for Science Research Associates, leading professional development in direct instruction techniques for teachers across the Northeast. Susan also led teacher training seminars at the American School (TASIS) in Lugano, Switzerland. In her free time she wrote articles for the Hingham, MA Garden Club, which appeared in the Hingham Journal, founded Bookmark Babes, a book club in Hingham, and delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly. Susan also greatly enjoyed contact with other cultures through her worldwide travels with her husband.

Susan was born to Gerald and Frances Sullivan in Worcester, MA on August 26, 1939. She completed her undergraduate education at Worcester State College, and did graduate work at Assumption College in Worcester and Cornell University. On August 17, 1963 Susan married Urbain (Ben) DeWinter and together they leapt headlong into life, welcoming their first child, Christopher, in 1965, their second son, William, in 1967, and their daughter, Caroline, in 1971. They created a family where each of their very individual children could thrive. William, who faced many health challenges, led a rich and happy life surrounded by the love
and support provided by his parents and siblings.

Susan is survived by her husband, Ben, her son Christopher (and his wife Jane), her daughter Caroline, her grandchildren Julia, Kate, Genevieve, and Carlos DeWinter, and her brother Bill (and his wife Victoria) Sullivan. She was predeceased by her son William. Susan also leaves many relatives, friends and colleagues in Boston, Hingham and Ithaca and around the world.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at 10:30 AM at Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA. A 12 noon memorial luncheon will follow at the Glastonbury Abbey's Conference Center. All are welcome to join the DeWinter family for one or both.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held in Ithaca, New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan DeWinter Memorial Fund, care of Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA 02043.

Visiting hours

Omitted.

Service Information

Services will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at 10:30 AM at Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA. A 12 noon memorial luncheon will follow at the Glastonbury Abbey's Conference Center. All are welcome to join the DeWinter family for one or both.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held in Ithaca, New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan DeWinter Memorial Fund, care of Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA 02043.