Susan Hutchins

Susan H. Hutchins 87, died peacefully on February 3, 2023, in Suffield, CT. Born in Chicago, IL, on May 21, 1935, Susie was the beloved daughter of Edward C. & Carol B. Howe.

She enjoyed her younger years, with sisters Barbie, Carol, and Florrie, in Winnetka, IL, graduating from New Trier Township High School in 1953. She matriculated to Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, where she earned her BA in Education in 1957, and where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Hutchins, who called Susie “my queen.” When Bob first set eyes on his queen at Cornell’s Willard Straight Hall, he immediately asked his friend to name him co-chair of the Homecoming Publicity Committee, with Susie. A true love story, they were married in 1958, and moved happily to Springfield, MA, to begin their Camelot.

The Hutchins family started to blossom in Wilbraham, MA with the births of 4 children over the span of 8 years. Susie became supremely talented at balancing work and family, always with her signature smile. She was rarely stressed over anything. A calm and pleasant demeanor served Susie well as a substitute teacher in the Needham school system, as an administrative assistant at The Harvard Medical School, and as a tutor at the Sylvan Learning School. Susie loved spending time with her family, golfing, biking, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, taking part in synchronized swimming, and playing the piano. Her exquisite needlepoint works are now beautiful pillows. She won awards in golfing and skiing, and loved volunteering at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Longmeadow, and was awarded their “Annual Recognition Award” in 2004. Her volunteer work at St. Andrew’s included editing the church newsletter, and serving in the outreach and pastoral care ministries. Susie loved her years serving as Directress of St. Andrew’s Altar Guild, readying the church and altar for Sunday services.She also dedicated her time volunteering for organizations such as the Wesson Women’s Auxiliary, helping young people begin careers in healthcare, Longmeadow Parent Teacher Association, leading children’s reading groups, and volunteering in the Longmeadow school systems. She loved reading to children and watching their eyes light up.

Susie was blessed with many friendships over the years, and belonged to organizations such as the Junior League of Springfield, the Cornell Club of Western Mass, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and the Longmeadow Country Club, where she was the editor of their monthly newsletter. Her smile greeted many customers over the years at Gilbert’s Book Shop, Cock O’ The Walk, and Talbot’s. She leaves her three loving children, Timothy Hutchins and his wife, Donna of East Longmeadow, Christopher Hutchins and his partner Ann Lombardi of Longmeadow, and Jennifer Wands and her husband Lee of West Springfield, six beautiful grandchildren & four amazing great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Hutchins Sr., and her son, Robert Hutchins Jr.

Calling hours will take place from 4:00PM-7:00PM on Thursday February 9, 2023 at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow ; Susie’s funeral services will begin at 9:45AM on Friday February 10, 2023 at the funeral home followed by a service at 11:00AM in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 355 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or The Chicago Literacy Alliance, two wonderful organizations who have missions close to Susie’s heart. forastierefuneralhome.com