Susan Diroff, aged 76, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024, in her home in Saco, Maine.
She was born on Feb. 20, 1948, and raised in Milan, Michigan. She met her
husband, Michael Diroff, when they were students at Michigan State University. She worked for many years as a young mother at the Forest Hills Racquet Ball Club in Erie, Pennsylvania. Later in life, for 17 years, she taught 3 and 4 years olds, including her own granddaughter, at the Children’s Center at First Congregational Church in Hudson, Ohio. She was a beloved teacher, with parents and children regularly greeting her at the local grocery store. In 2020, she and Michael moved to Saco, Maine, to be close to their young grandson. They quickly became regulars at Little League games and piano recitals.
Susan’s life included many deep and long-lasting friendships. She was known as a welcoming host, talented chef, and generous care-giver. She loved hosting parties, and had the kitchenware to prove it. Visits from family and friends would include treats at frequent intervals and meals with plenty of leftovers. Susan also regularly befriended store clerks and waiters, comfortably chatting with anyone looking for some conversation.
Sue was someone who knew what she liked. Some of her favorites included: Diet Coke, the Beach Boys, murder mysteries, Words with Friends, and the “Great British Baking Show.” She was a passionate scrapbooker, with an impressive collection of stencils, stamps and embellishments. During her years in Hudson, Ohio, she proudly collected badges for hikes within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In her later years, she and Mike loved exploring new terrains and new cuisines on international cruises. Norway, in particular, was a place that delighted her Susan’s white (she preferred “silver”) hair was a defining characteristic for the majority of her adult life.
During her many years of living with cancer, and especially as the end drew near, her family learned how incredibly tough she was. She was consistently
uncomplaining, not wanting to inconvenience anyone. She will be remembered for her strength and love of life.
She is preceded in death by: her grandparents, Clarence and Arlia Cline; and her parents, Robert and Lydia Cline.
Susan is survived by: her husband of 55 years, Michael Diroff; their three children, Tammara Sweeney (Tom Young), Bradley Diroff, and Jeremy (Nicole)
Diroff; and their two grandchildren, Aurelia Sweeney and Elliott Diroff. She is also survived by her three sisters Jean Blumhardt, Linda Collins, and Sally Harrison, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.
A celebration of life will be held this fall. Family, friends, and others are invited to donate to The Dempsey Center (dempseycenter.org/), a cancer support organization in Maine, that offered tenderness and care during Susan’s final phase of life.
To view Susan’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit
www.cotefuneralhome.com
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