Susana C Brown

Susana Cantor Brown passed on peacefully and surrounded in love by her family in Norfolk, MA on February 11th, 2024.

Her greatest accomplishment in life was her long-lasting and harmonious marriage to Jim Brown and the beautiful life they built together. Susana was the mother to Jessica Brown Sassalos (Paul) and Gregory Brown (Julie). She was also Mimi to her four beloved grandsons, Cameron (10), Andrew (7), Parker (5), and Owen (4).

Susana was born on January 18, 1947, in Newton, MA. She entered the world as a sparky, little black-haired pepper pot that got into more trouble than her three siblings combined: Kate VanNoorden Fisher, Joan Barnes Herbramson & Bill Cantor.

She attended Beaver Country Day School, where she learned that speaking a foreign language is a key to opening closed doors. Susana went on to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was accepted into the first incoming class of women from out of state. At UNC, she took the opportunity to study abroad in Central and South America, where she could explore new places and use her Spanish speaking skills to meet new people.

Her deep faith in God was central to her life, informed her core values, and defined her closest relationships. She was an active member and leader of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Wellesley, and was often known to say, “I am an optimist because I believe in God.”

She spent her professional life working in sales. From working for her family’s company in the custom metal fabrication business to selling Silpada jewelry and J. Hilburn custom men’s clothing, she was an incredible connector of people and was always involved in the business world and community at large. She served on the board of the Boston Salvation Army and was an active member, including president, of the Boston Rotary Club. She joined Rotary in 1989 as part of the organization’s inaugural class of women.

Susana’s life was enhanced with farm markets, field flowers and country roads to explore. She “feathered” her nest with artwork and vibrant colors, was always fashionable, and was known to be an inspired cook. At the end of the day, family came first. She was the dedicated mother, the doting grandmother, and the cool aunt and we are so grateful to have walked with her in this lifetime.

A celebration of life will be held at the Needham Golf Club on March 16th @ 12pm. If you’d like to join us please reach out to Jessica Sassalos ( jessicabsassalos@gmail.com ). Contributions can be made to The Salvation Army https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/ .