Susan Quackenbush, 70

Warwick, R.I.

Susan Scolnick Quackenbush of Warwick, R.I., passed away peacefully at age 70 on Sunday, June 28, surrounded by her family.

Susan, daughter of Aaron and Beatrice Scolnick, was born in Lowell, Mass., on Jan. 24, 1950. She graduated from Lowell High School, received her undergraduate degree from The University of Tampa and pursued her master’s degree from Lesley College.

Susan spent most of her professional career in sales. Her Rhode Island journey began with a position at Allied Business Forms in 1980. She then became a major account manager for Imaging Business Products, receiving numerous awards for outstanding performance. Susan joined the Providence Journal family in the fall of 1992 and worked there until her retirement in 2016. It was at the “ProJo” that her infectious positivity and happy nature helped develop many strong friendships that she held close to her heart.

When Susan moved to Rhode Island she met her husband of 37 years, Peter Quackenbush. Peter and Susan enjoyed sailing and spending time with their family and friends on and off the water. Together they spent 33 years as active members of the Rhode Island Yacht Club where they introduced their son, Andrew, to the world of sailing at the early age of two months. As a family they spent summers cruising around New England, strengthening family bonds through their nautical adventures. Susan was Peter’s first mate on the water and in life.

Susan devoted her time to helping others. Since her lung cancer diagnosis in 2015, she spent her time volunteering as a peer-to-peer mentor at Miriam Hospital in Providence. Susan was also active in the American Lung Association’s Lung Force Program, uniting others to stand up together against lung cancer. She was passionate about sharing her journey with others and always had a positive outlook on life. Through these programs she was able to support, befriend and mentor others on a similar path.

Susan Quackenbush’s kindness was never-ending, she gave advise to her loved ones without judgment, and she inspired others through her strength. Her joy was contagious, and she loved with her whole heart. Susan’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with. Beyond boating, she also had a strong passion for education.