09/01/2026
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR SUSAN “BOOTHIE” BOOTH
Friday, October 2 at 1 pm
First Congregational Church, Stockbridge
Susan Booth, aka “Boothie”, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and the matriarch of Riverbrook Residence, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 76. Born in Waterbury, CT on March 18, 1950 to Willard and Millicent Booth, she is survived by her sister, Sally Wellman; her brother-in-law, Tom Wellman; her nieces, Jamie and Lisa, and their children Brady, Megan & Kelsey. Susan was pre-deceased by her “best” friend and long-time roommate, Kate Ryan, with whom she celebrated her Irish heritage. Susan arrived in Stockbridge in 1963 as a young girl with a diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder whose symptoms include the inability to feel satiated after eating. To manage her symptoms, Boothie made the conscious decision to keep her hands busy. She was a prolific knitter, having made many a blanket or hat for loved ones. An ongoing puzzle was always on her table. Word searches, crafting, Bingo, Tai Chi, meditation, and dog walking were just a few of her activities. She especially enjoyed getting out into the community, visiting parks and museums, taking walks, and birdwatching. Boothie could track the hummingbird migration and let you know their estimated date of arrival at Riverbrook.
Boothie made Riverbrook her home for 63 years, becoming a cherished and familiar presence in the Stockbridge community. Throughout her life, Susan formed lasting friendships and touched the lives of countless people who knew and loved her. She was a fixture at the Council on Aging and a participant (and winner) in the weekly Bingo game. She was what you’d call an actively engaged citizen, proud that she voted in all elections. As the resident member on Riverbrook’s Board of Directors, she successfully advocated for the pool lift that was added to Riverbook’s pool. In early 2020, Boothie traveled to Tampa, FL with her friend, Anne Roy, for the Prader-Willi conference where she was recognized as one of the oldest living people with PWS in the US. That longevity can likely be attributed to her determination and positivity. Boothie was a member of Church on the Hill. She worked as Mail Clerk at Marian Fathers for 33 years, walking nearly two miles roundtrip, and was known for her strong work ethic. As the story goes, on a winter day with blizzard-like conditions, when other employees were calling out, the supervisor saw a snowy figure appear on the hill leading to the Marian Fathers’ campus. It was Boothie, reporting for work just like she always did. In 2023, she decided to retire, citing her wish to spend more time with her family in Maine as a motivating reason. Her dedicated family welcomed the visits, transporting her to and from the Berkshires.She also worked at Kripalu Health and Yoga Center in Lenox, and Riverbrook on Main in Stockbridge.In recent months, she chose to move to Fairview Commons. In true Boothie fashion, she made friends in her new home and was very happy with the activities provided there. She served as a member of the Residents’ Rights committee. Her family, and her friends from the community and Riverbrook visited her regularly. In March, she returned to Riverbrook to celebrate her 76th birthday with her friends and enjoy her signature meal of shrimp and white w**e. Boothie believed strongly in staying active and making the most of every day. Her advice to others was simple and memorable: “Always keep busy with your hands, go for a walk, go to different places like parks and museums. Stay active!”Susan will be remembered for the countless ways she contributed to and enriched the Riverbrook community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, Riverbrook staff and residents, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. As one person described her, “she was the best person I ever knew.”Rest in peace, Boothie. May your memory continue to inspire us to stay active, keep learning, keep creating, and enjoy every day with a smile and kind word. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026 at the First Congregational Church, Stockbridge at 1pm. Donations in Susan’s memory may be made to Riverbrook Residence, Inc., PO Box 478, Stockbridge, MA 01262. Correspondence may be sent to that address as well.
