Susan Curry Barnett, Former Faculty

Susan Curry Barnett of Florence, Massachusetts, passed away quietly at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst on October 25, 2019. She was surrounded by close friends.

Sue was born on March 27, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Rev. Robert Lewis and Elizabeth Moultan Cartwright Curry.

After graduating from the Northfield School and Tufts University, Sue built a career at the Northampton School for Girls and the Williston Northampton School between 1968 and 2011. She held many different positions as an educator: coach, dorm parent, teacher, and administrator. She most loved coaching the girls in soccer, hockey, and softball, stating, “I am still in touch with hundreds of them. I have seen them grow up, fail, pick themselves up again, succeed, and raise families. That is what I loved from start to finish.”

Sue met Roger (Gus) Barnett at Williston. They were married in Phillips Stevens Chapel at Williston in December of 1987. They celebrated their love of travel, good times with family and friends, and a willingness to work long and hard in their yard. Roger died in September of 1998.

At the age of 8, Sue started attending Fleur de Lis Camp in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. Her mother had been Director of the Water Front. Her grandmother had been the camp nurse. Sue was a camper, a Counselor in Training, a Counselor, and the Camp Director during 1972, 1973, and 1976.  As with her Williston students, Sue enjoyed watching the campers grow and become adults. Many girls from school and camp were friends right through the end.

Sue is predeceased by her husband Roger Barnett, her parents, and her stepson Geoffrey Barnett. She is survived by her brother David Curry and his wife Sandra, and her two nieces, Rebecca C. Aupperlee and husband Phil, and Heather Curry. Also surviving are two stepdaughters, Amy Hinton and Alexandra Erickson and her husband David, and Geoffrey’s wife Roxanne.

A memorial service will be held at Phillips Stevens Chapel, November 9, at 2 p.m., Williston Northampton School, Easthampton, Massachusetts.

It would be appreciated if no flowers were sent. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Fleur de Lis Camp Sue Curry Barnett Endowed Campership, 120 Howeville Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447, or the Williston Northampton School Sue Curry Barnett Endowment for the Girls Softball Team, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027.

8 thoughts on “Susan Curry Barnett, Former Faculty”

  1. So saddened by this news. She was an amazing woman and forever will be missed. Thank you for teaching me so much Barnettey

  2. Ms. Barnett was a joy to be with and learn from. Her memories live on with us; her letters and holiday greetings are a great reminder of the Williston’s community reach. Thank you for your love!

  3. Dearest Susie. My closest friend during my years at Williston. A true school person with a wise eye and an engaging warmth and smile. My heart breaks.

  4. So sad to hear. Ms. Curry (as I’ll always remember her) played a key role in all three years of my Williston experience. From soccer to ice hockey and everywhere in between…I’ll always remember her encouraging words and warm smile. You will certainly be missed but never forgotten.

  5. What a glorious representation of how school and person can
    so profoundly fill and be filled. Both are dramatically changed,
    both pass forward the gifts that live on.

  6. During the merger years, Sue was a steady force in helping to integrate the two similar but different schools. She always had a smile, had time for everyone and was one of the many things I loved about Williston. I have talked with her several times over the years and always came away with a smile and a laugh and a feeling that we had just spoken yesterday when, in fact, it could have been 5 years.

    I’ll always have a fond memory of her.

  7. When I look back on the people who were instrumental to my development, who inspired me to try harder, who believed in my potential, Sue Curry (not Barnett yet at that point) ranks in the top five. I remember many evenings just hanging out and chatting, never realizing until later what a positive force she had been. RIP, Ms Curry, and thank you for your big heart.

  8. As my dorm parent, Ms. Curry made my first year at Williston wonderful w/ her kindness, support and humor. Sunday outings together w/ Betsy Marsted and Sarah Wattles continue to be a fond memory.

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