Suzanne M. (Zajac) Whitehead, 79
Suzanne M. (Zajac) Whitehead, 79 of Rochester passed away peacefully, December 21 at Saint Luke's Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Suzanne was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Paul B. Whitehead.
Born in New Bedford and raised in Acushnet, Suzanne was the daughter of the late Thaddeus J.H and Doris R. (Dupre) Zajac. In 1978, she moved to Rochester where she resided until her passing.
Suzanne earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College. She worked as a teacher in the Acushnet Public School System for 37 years, spending almost all of those years in the third grade, which she loved. She touched the lives of generations of students with her kindness, patience, and creativity. Her classroom was a place of learning, laughter, and safety, where students felt seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Suzanne was a proud and active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) Eta Chapter, an international honor society for outstanding women educators focused on growth and the advancement of education. She very much enjoyed attending DKG events, always appreciating the opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the profession she loved. The friendships Suzanne formed through DKG were deeply meaningful to her, and she treasured the camaraderie and lasting bonds developed through the group.
Suzanne was a loving wife, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. There is nothing she wouldn't do for her family. She cherished the time spent with her grandson, Lachlan, and always had a huge smile on her face when they were together. Sue and Lachlan enjoyed baking and decorating gingerbread cookies. Lachlan always knew that a visit to Grandma's house meant that he would be waited on like a prince and showered with delicious treats.
Suzanne shared an extraordinary and loving relationship with her sister and best friend, Paula, which was a constant source of happiness for her. Sue looked forward to their nightly phone calls. These conversations were filled with care, humor, and support that reflected the deep connection they shared. Their bond was truly special to Suzanne.
A devout Catholic whose faith was the foundation of her life, Suzanne was deeply involved in her parish over the years, serving in many capacities including eucharistic minister, lector, and parish council member. She also volunteered at the annual barbeque, first coordinating and making the children's games, and later working at the auction table and helping wherever it was needed. Suzanne's quiet dedication, strong sense of community, and willingness to serve reflected her deep love for her faith and her parish family, leaving a lasting impact on all who worshiped and served alongside her. In 2018 Suzanne was honored with the Cheverus Award, given by the Archdiocese of Boston to recognize individuals "for their quiet, humble, and significant service to the Church and its people."
Suzanne was blessed with many dear friendships, which she deeply cherished. She loved to reminisce about the happy times spent with each of them, sharing memories from her youth, such as times at the Cape house and ski chalet with friends who remained close to her throughout her life.
Suzanne was also a wonderful baker, who enjoyed sharing her homemade treats with those that she cared for, each as beautiful as it was delicious. Her brownies, lemon squares, chocolate cake, frosted lemon cookies, and cranberry bread are just a few of the delicious creations that came out of her kitchen over the years. Each year her friends and relatives looked forward to her elaborate basket of Christmas baked goodies, which she would gift to those she cared for most.
She very much enjoyed hosting holidays at her home. Suzanne's famous Halloween parties were a beloved family tradition and a true reflection of her creativity. Her intricately decorated cupcakes were always the centerpiece of the celebration, admired as much for their beauty as for their taste. These festive evenings brought generations of family together, creating cherished memories.
Suzanne loved gardening, decorating, and staying on top of the latest style trends. She was a talented crafter and seamstress, making many of her daughter's Halloween costumes by hand. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others. Suzanne carried herself with grace and poise. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Cyr and her husband Tyler of Lakeville; a sister, Paula Lambalot and her husband Charlie of Carver; her sister-in-law Joan Pepin and her husband David of Rochester; her brother-in law, James Whitehead and his wife Joanne of New Bedford; a grandson, Lachlan Cyr, and 8 nieces and nephews.
Suzanne's family would like to thank her doctors and nurses at Southcoast Health and Saint Luke's Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 2nd at 9 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, 282 Vaughan Hill Rd., Rochester. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted.
Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
