Susan G. “Sue” Garrett passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Glen at Willow Valley at the age of eighty-four; before her illness, she had been a resident of the Vistas at Willow Valley. All of her family were with her in her final days. She was a strong force in all of our lives, and we will miss her greatly.
Born in Rochester NY, Sue was the daughter of the late Raymond E. and Dorothea “Dottie” Golemb. Raised in Rochester, she attended the Allendale Columbia School. After graduating from high school, she began college at Wells College in Aurora, NY. While at Wells, she met her late husband of 41 years, Roger L. Garrett, who attended nearby Cornell University. During their friendship and eventual courtship, Sue also pursued college coursework at the University of Virginia and Hunter College in NY.
Before completing her degree, she married Roger and became a mother to three girls. She left college and devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom and raising her daughters. After her youngest began school, she completed her undergraduate degree at George Mason University. A lifelong learner, she then decided to pursue first a master’s degree in special education (also at George Mason) and later a second master’s degree in social work (at Virginia Commonwealth University) and became a licensed clinical social worker. While continuing to raise her family, she worked as a Special Education teacher in the Fairfax County school district and, after receiving her LCSW, she had a private therapy practice in Old Town Alexandria.
Sue and Roger settled in Alexandria where they lived for many years until his death. During their childhood and beyond, Sue was a staunch advocate for her girls, and raised them by example to be strong, independent women. As a homemaker, Sue was a consummate hostess, and whether it was a family holiday, or a social gathering, she entertained with attention to every detail.
Sue had exquisite taste in all things and was a champion shopper. She was equally at home in high-end stores as well as her beloved T. J. Maxx. Shopping trips with her girls were epic. Her classic taste was also evident in her personal style. She was always impeccably dressed and brought her signature style to everything she touched. She created beautiful home spaces with carefully chosen items that are still cherished by the family.
She was an intelligent and informed person. Until her battle with dementia, she religiously watched the PBS News Hour nightly and read the paper daily (first the Washington Post, and later the New York Times). A lifelong Democrat, she was passionate about social justice and mental health issues and championed the causes of the underserved and less fortunate. She gave generously to these causes. She also gave of her time and expertise.
After Roger’s death, she retired from her private practice in Virginia and moved to the main line area of Pennsylvania. While in West Chester, and later Malvern, she volunteered as a therapist for the Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM). Before her challenges with dementia, she also volunteered for a short time at the Glen where she later became a resident.
Sue had a beautiful smile and loved to laugh. Her sense of humor was sharp and witty, and often irreverent. Even in her decline, she retained her spark and sense of humor. Sue was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and a true force to be reckoned with. Her stamp is indelible, and we feel her loss deeply. We are so thankful to the amazing staff and caregivers at the Glen at Willow Valley for their care and love of Sue over these past years. The devotion and dignity with which they cared for Sue was beyond remarkable and we are humbly grateful.
Sue is survived by her three girls: Julia Vanasse (Michael) of Lancaster, PA; Elizabeth Sokoloff (Andrew) of Brunswick, ME; and Jennifer Basile (Sam) of Howard Beach, NY. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Anne Bijman; Benjamin Vanasse; Elizabeth Vanasse and Lyle Sokoloff. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother as well as her husband of 41 years, Roger L. Garrett.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in the Johnson Auditorium in the North building at Willow Valley, 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602, on November 23, 2024 and all are welcome; the family will be there to greet guests beginning at 1:30 PM, with the tribute starting at approximately 2:30 PM. There will also be time to greet the family following the tribute.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to one of the local PA causes that Sue supported. Donations in her honor can be made to Community Volunteers in Medicine in West Chester, PA (CVIM.org) or the Schrieber Center for Pediatric Development in Lancaster, PA (Schreiber pediatric.org)
Please visit Sue’s Memorial Page at:
www.TheGroffs.com
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