Suzanne T. Wood

Suzanne (Sue) Tower Ferguson Wood passed away peacefully at home on September 25th. Sue was the daughter of Duane and Hazel Tower and spent her early years growing up in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area of New York. She graduated from Miss Hall’s School, Pittsfield, MA and Northwestern University. She is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years (David) Austin Wood, 2 stepchildren, Gordon Wood ( grandchild Niko) Seattle, WA, and Elizabeth Nalen Bunce (husband Jack, grandchildren Austin Nalen Sprole and Christopher Nalen), and her two daughters…Kerry Ferguson Arnold (husband George, grandchildren Hailey and Jesse Arnold) Park City, UT, and Dale Ferguson Hall (husband Rob, grandchildren Ashley and Zachary Hall) Charlotte, NC. Shortly after her graduation, Sue married John Ferguson, settling in Darien where they remained for over 18 years. In addition to caring for her family, Sue was an active member of the Garden Club of Darien and the Family and Children’s Aid Services of Darien, even serving a term as President. She was also on the Board of the Lockwood Matthews Mansion in Norwalk and the Silvermine Guild of Artists in New Canaan, CT. When not volunteering, Sue was an active golfer, tennis player, skier, gardener, and gourmet cook. After her first marriage ended in divorce, Sue married Austin Wood, joining him and his children Blake, Gordon, and Elizabeth in Darien. During this period, Sue and Austin spent as much time as possible cruising many of the Northeastern waters from Northern Maine to the Chesapeake in his boat Driftwood. Austin was the Captain, but Sue was the Admiral! One of their favorite spots to visit by boat was Essex, Ct, which ended up being their final home. Austin was in the textile business and Sue enjoyed travelling with him on business trips to textile mills in Italy and Belgium, as well as on skiing adventures across Europe. They also became part of several enthusiastic, costume wearing cycling groups, taking scenic trips to the Western US, Canada, and overseas to Holland and France. Sue and Austin retired to Sunapee, NH in their later years where they enjoyed hosting friends and family for memorable get togethers. With many children and grandchildren between them, their home in Sunapee became the family meeting spot for snow sports in winter and summer camp, boating, lake swimming, tubing, ice cream, lobsters, and croquet in the summer. In 2019, they moved to their current residence at Essex Meadows in Essex, CT.

Sue will be remembered most for her warm and friendly nature, sly sense of humor, enthusiasm for all adventures, and love for organizing opportunities to get together and have fun with friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11A.M. at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme (2 Ferry Road Old Lyme, CT 06371) (860) 434-8686.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sue’s name to The John Hay Estate at The Fells, PO Box 276, Route 103A, Newbury, NH 03255.