Suzanne Healey, 87, of Marblehead passed away peacefully on Feb. 12. She was the daughter of Charles and Alice Peale of North Reading.
Suzanne was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Patience Althoff; and her husband of 52 years, William J. Healey. Suzanne is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Breier, and her husband, Peter, and her granddaughter, Emma Breier of Alexandria, Virginia; and her nieces, Rebecca Althoff Crites and Sarah Althoff Horne, both of New Hampshire.
Suzanne was born in North Reading but spent most of her life in Marblehead, where she met and married William Healey in 1971. As a young woman, she worked as a buyer in the housewares department of Jordan Marsh and traveled extensively in Europe and Mexico. After marrying, she switched careers and worked for Jack Barry Real Estate in Marblehead and subsequently returned to her roots working in a product showroom in Burlington and representing housewares companies.
She was an accomplished creator of homemade things, including knitting beautiful Icelandic sweaters, making clothing for her daughter and granddaughter, as well as sewing everything from quilts to teddy bears to Christmas decorations, the latter often sold at church holiday markets. She also refinished furniture and had an eye for antiques.
Suzanne was an avid gardener and spent many hours growing both flowers and produce on Prospect Street. She also enjoyed cooking, and her signature was her very tart rhubarb pie, made with rhubarb grown in the garden.
Among her fondest memories were the years with “The Vultures,” a dinner group of friends, who dined out regularly and shared a love of food. She and William also enjoyed boating in Marblehead, boat trips in the Caribbean and an annual winter trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, which they looked forward to all year.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Healey family may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
