Susanne B. Wooldridge

Susanne B. Wooldridge, 81, of Wilton, CT passed away on June 14, 2023 at Norwalk Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Melrose, MA to the late Armand A. and Margaret E. Benoit. She was a graduate of Skidmore College.

Most of her career was spent at R. T. Vanderbilt in Norwalk, CT. Her position offered her the opportunity to travel the world where she collected many pieces of artwork.

After retiring, Sue focused on painting and volunteerism. She joined a local art class and enjoyed her instructor and new friends who shared her passion for art. She took an almost yearly trek to Monhegan Island in Maine with the whole group, to paint outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Her work has been exhibited in the Wilton Library and The Rowayton Arts Center.

Susanne also spent much of her time at First Church Congregational in Fairfield, CT. She had a deep love for all kinds of music and served on the music board and developed and coordinated music programs for the church. One was the “Music in the Meetinghouse” series which she worked on for several years and another was “The Midday Concert Series”.

She was involved in church functions, helping where needed, like organizing receptions after memorial services and making sure all the silver was polished! Also, Susanne coordinated activities for the Fairfield Day of Service sponsored by First Church to coincide with the 375th anniversary of the town and church.

Additionally, Sue volunteered with Stephen Ministries (later the Samaritans) where she provided care for those in the congregation who were suffering from life crisis. They helped with spiritual and emotional support for those in need.

She contributed to Operation Hope of Fairfield by making dinners for their community kitchen. Additionally, Susanne was very proud of her work at Mercy Learning Center where she was a tutor teaching women English as a second language. Sue found her time there most rewarding, especially seeing the difference it made in her students’ lives.

Susanne was an expert skier in her younger years where she served on the Ski Patrol in Vermont. You could also find Sue on her sailboat in the Long Island Sound. She passed the love of both hobbies down to her sons, Bill and Rob.

Susanne was a proud mother and is survived by her two sons, William “Bill” Wooldridge (Laura) of Woodstock, GA, Robert “Rob” Wooldridge (Caryn) of Lafayette, CO, six grandchildren, Kaylie, Brandon, Rory, Ryan, Cameron and Greta Wooldridge, brother Bob Benoit (Charlene) of Milford, CT, sister Ruth Braid (George) of Washington, NJ.

She will be missed by family and friends for her wry sense of humor and beautiful smile.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Church Congregational in Fairfield, CT or Pequot Library in Southport, CT.