Obituary: Susan Barnes, 81, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Susan Barnes of Branford, CT passed away at Evergreen Woods, May 13, 2024 surrounded by her son A. Prentice (Pat) Barnes Jr. and daughter Lauren Barnes. Susan was born on December 14, 1942. She is predeceased by her father Dan Cosgrove, mother Alice Cosgrove and her former husband A. Prentice Barnes, Sr. Susan is survived by her brothers Daniel and Mark Cosgrove (Linda Cosgrove), two grandchildren Margaret (Missy) Mooney and Thomas (Tom) Barnes, and a very large extended family. She graduated from Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross as a history major and worked in insurance until she returned to Branford to take care of her father.

Susan followed in her father's (Dan) philanthropic ideology, as well as the "behind the scene" political acumen. She was a force to be reckoned with for whatever causes or organizations she became involved with which were many throughout her life.

She was honored and received many awards and commendations including receiving the Beacon Award (2021) for her various service and was oftentimes a founding member of some organizations that she held dear to her heart, including Feed Branford Kids, Branford Compassion Club, Orchard House, Blackstone Library, Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and Connecticut Hospice. Susan also served her political aspirations as a Board Member of the Commission of Service for the Elderly and a Constable. She was a longtime communicant of St. John Bosco Parish where she served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Her passions were loud and clear. If it was your mission to serve animals, elderly or children, if your wish was to become or remain an elected official she was the one woman that was needed to secure success.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, May 19th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, May 20th at 10:00 AM in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Donations to Branford Compassion Club, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471, or at branfordcompassionclub.org.