Susan Calhoun Pund Park

Boston lost one of its proudest advocates and champions when Susan Park passed away after a lengthy illness on February 25, 2022, at Massachusetts General Hospital. Susan was born in Boston on April 28, 1939 to Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. and Susan Broyles Pund. The family then moved to Darien, CT where Susan was raised. Susan is predeceased by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Field Park, Jr., in 2008, and by her brother, Peter Pund, of Machias, Maine. Susan leaves loving Broyles and Pund family nephews, nieces, cousins and godchildren. Joe left loving Henry and Park family nephews and nieces.

Susan and Joe were married in a ceremony on September 7, 1963, in Darien, CT. The newlyweds lived in New York City for several years before moving to Boston. Ever the idealistic pioneers, the couple moved to the South End of Boston and bought their first home on Gray Street in 1969.

Appreciating the significant collection of historic, Victorian, brick row houses, elegant parks and distinctive architecture that grace the South End, Susan, and a dedicated group of neighbors, worked tirelessly to prevent further urban renewal demolition in this National Register worthy district. To reinforce those efforts, Susan joined the South End Historical Society, founded in 1966 (SEHS) and for decades, advocated for the formal creation of landmark protections for this impressive 300+ acre Historic District. As a result of her indefatigable dedication and passion, Susan was elected as the President of the SEHS, a position which she held for many years.

After painstakingly documenting and assessing the neighborhood’s distinctive architecture, the South End Landmark District was finally created in 1983 by the City of Boston’s Landmarks Commission. This legislated designation finally offered permanent protection from demolition and supported education regarding the value of the South End as a national treasure. For decades, Susan was a fearless and constant voice for neighborhood improvements, including historic lighting, appropriate street trees and plantings, and the restoration of our elegant Period parks. Time and time again, Susan, through her impassioned dedication and the power of her personality, would organize a group of neighbors to give of their time and resources to preserve and enhance special neighborhood treasures from Ginko trees to endless flower gardens.

Expanding her vision from Boston’s historic South End to all of Boston’s historic architecture, Susan and other preservationists came together and created the Boston Preservation Alliance (BPA) in 1982. With Susan serving as the BPA’s President, their mission was, as it is today, to advocate for Boston’s historic, built environment both Downtown and in the neighborhoods. In recognition of Susan’s, and her husband, Joe’s enormous contributions to the City of Boston, over decades, they were presented with the prestigious John Codman Preservation Award, by the Boston Preservation Alliance. Her friend, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, often remarked with a grin that “Susan Park is a Boston Landmark.”

After the nationwide, Bicentennial celebration, in 1976, and Tall Ships Event bringing to Boston people and tall ships from around the world, Susan and other civic leaders conceived of a celebration of Boston’s own maritime heritage. Susan, working in concert with a group of historic site directors, tourism officials, restauranteurs and business and civic leaders, created “Boston Harborfest” in 1981. Its purpose was to, once again, bring alive Boston’s celebrated maritime history and increase tourism over the July 4th holiday. Susan served as President of this highly successful annual event until 2014.

In addition to the South End Historical Society, Boston Harborfest and the Boston Preservation Alliance, Susan and Joe were active in a number of non- profits including the Ellis Memorial Neighborhood Assn., Hale House, Friends of Hayes Park, The English-Speaking Union and Freedom Trail Foundation. They were also active members of The Country Club and the Union Boat Club.

A gifted floral designer and garden enthusiast, Susan volunteered for many Citywide events including creating the floral arrangements for Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the Bicentennial celebration. Susan and her neighbors were also responsible for the creation of the award-winning Hayes Park on a vacant lot located at Warren Ave. and West Canton St. Because of Susan’s love and appreciation of the City’s green spaces, Mayor Menino appointed Susan to the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission. She worked diligently to improve and create parks throughout the City of Boston.

Susan and Joe enjoyed vacationing in Vermont and York Harbor, Maine. Avid dog lovers, Susan and Joe considered their Scottish Terriers part of their family. Her friends and neighbors will long remember Susan and Joe walking their beloved dogs through the South End neighborhood, tending to spring bulbs, visiting with friends, and celebrating the community they helped to preserve and restore.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Boston Preservation Alliance, P.O. Box 256140, Dorchester, MA 02125; https://bostonpreservation.org/, and the South End Historical Society, 532 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118; https://www.southendhistoricalsociety.org/. At Susan’s request, a private burial service will be held at a later date.