Susan Elizabeth Harrington

Susan Elizabeth Harrington passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on June 3, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. She shared 50 loving years of marriage with her husband, John Sexton Harrington, and they beautifully renewed their vows surrounded by family before her passing.

Born in Nova Scotia on October 5, 1952, Susan was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and treasured friend to many. She was the middle daughter of the late Delbert and Elizabeth (Walton) d’Eon. Susan was proud to be both an American and a Canadian citizen; she held a deep connection to her roots and enjoyed visiting with family and reconnecting with her heritage in Nova Scotia. She was thankful to have attended the d’Eon Family Reunion last summer and introduced all her grandchildren to this special place.

Susan moved to the United States when she was 2 years old. She graduated from Lynn Classical High School in 1970. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fitchburg State in 1974 followed by her Master's degree in Education from Cambridge College, and then her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in 2006. Susan dedicated her life to caring for her family and others as an exceptional nurse, touching countless lives with her warmth, skill, and selflessness. She was a nationally board-certified public health nurse and nationally board-certified school nurse. Her dedication to the profession was recognized both regionally and nationally. In 2011, she was awarded the Massachusetts School Nurse of the Year title, and in 2012 she was recognized at the national school nurse conference in San Francisco. Her warmth and kindness as an outstanding nurse extended to all those she met, including those who cared for her during her illness. She was lovingly known as “Momma Nurse” to many of the younger nurses at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, as she continued to educate even while hospitalized. Susan truly leaves a lasting impact on all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Outside of her service to others, Susan found joy in reading, crafting, baking, and keeping in touch with friends and family. She had a talent for creating handmade treasures, which were made with love and given generously to those she cherished. Her creativity knew no bounds, and she shared these talents with her grandchildren as well as her Church family at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sandwich, MA, where she was a longtime, loyal parishioner. Susan’s care extended to the wider community through volunteering to help with community blood pressure checks and continuous championing of school nursing. She also made time for annual trips to Florida with her best friends from college. Her affection for her family and friends was evident in all the details of her life, such as how she would raise her hand to sign “I love you” as a tender reminder of her deep and gentle love.

Susan’s greatest joy in life was her family, and her proudest role was that of “Nana.” She spent every moment she could with her grandchildren and played a tremendous role in raising them. Susan leaves behind her husband, John S. Harrington; her three sons, Joshua (Nicole) Harrington, John (Stephanie) Harrington Jr., and Jason (Meghan) Harrington; her five cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Drew, Chase, Hazel, and Cole; and her two beloved sisters, Marlene (Joe) Olszewksi and Nancy (Steve) Burrill and their families.

A celebration of Susan’s life is planned for 11am on June 14, 2025 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sandwich, Massachusetts. We welcome her friends and family to a comforting reflection time at 10am, before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.

Susan’s kindness, love, and creativity will remain forever in our hearts.