Susan Barnes

ORANGE – Susan Barnes, 59, of US Route 302 passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Born on June 18, 1964, in Montpelier, she was the daughter of John and Lillian (Clough) Coffrin.  She attended Calais Elementary School and graduated from U-32 High School in 1982.

Early in life, Susan met John Barnes. They married on February 4, 1984, in the East Barre Congregational Church.  Following their marriage, they made their home in Orange. They went on to have three children, nine grandchildren, one adoption, and countless foster kids.

Susan was employed at the Orange Center School for 29 years. She began her time there as an Instructional Assistant and later moved to her longstanding role as Administrative Assistant. Throughout her years there, she touched the lives of so many children and families.

She had the biggest heart and cared so deeply for the people around her. Susan was always willing to help anyone that needed it and would drop anything to help someone else. She made an impact on many lives, both personally and professionally.

In her spare time, she enjoyed camping with her family, attending and watching NASCAR races, side-by-side rides, attending Norwich hockey games, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband John Barnes of Orange, VT;  her children Stephen Barnes and his wife, Sarah of Littleton, NH and their children Tanner and Brooklyn; Elizabeth Crawford and her husband, Dustin of Jacksonville, FL and their children Riley, Hailey, Camden, and Waylon; Heather Putney of West Topsham, VT and her children Olivia, Colton, and Cooper; adopted son Houston Pape of Orange, VT; her mother Lillian Coffrin; her siblings Sharon Durocher and her husband, Chris of Manchester, NH; and Sarah Rhue of Raleigh, NC; her mother-in-law and father-in-law Lyle and Jean Barnes of Orange, VT;  her sister-in-law Sandi Smith of Ryegate, VT and her brother-in-law Robert Barnes of Orange, VT; as well as numerous other family members.

In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law Richard Barnes.

Memorial donations can be made to the Susan Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 380, East Barre, VT 05649.

The service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Canadian Club of Barre.  Family and friends may call on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.