Suzanne Stackhouse (Potetz), 68, of Newington, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, after a short but courageous battle with illness.

Suzanne was born in New Britain, CT to Alice (Zawada) and Edwin Potetz. Her childhood was filled with happy memories, many of them spent outdoors gardening with her dad and enjoying time with her siblings. From an early age, she developed a love for nature, helping to care for the family’s vegetable garden, orchard, and vineyard.

Sue attended elementary, middle, and high school in New Britain before going on to the University of Connecticut, where she nurtured her lifelong love of plants and earned her Bachelors Degree in Horticulture.

Sue married her husband of 43 years, Gerald Stackhouse of Bristol, on June 5, 1982. Together they had two children, whom Sue adored and said were the best thing she ever did - Caroline and Edwin (her "Eddie Spaghetti"). Sue filled their childhoods with love and adventures, always making their favorite foods and traveling with them everywhere from Maine (where she met her best friend, Linda) to Mexico, California, and Hawaii. Caroline and Edwin deeply cherished their mother. They knew she was someone they could always count on.

Sue was a beloved sister and best friend to her sister Rose; whenever they were together, the room was filled with laughter. She was the best sister and caretaker to her brother, John. They both adored their "Susie" or "Suzita."

For most of her career, Sue owned her own  interior plantscaping business, allowing her to do what she loved every single day. She knew everything about every plant, but her favorite part of the job was the people she met along the way. She truly cared for all the friends she made.

Sue's greatest love was for her grandchildren, Penelope, Nora, and Oliver. She adored her "little ones" and spent every moment she could with them. Together they made countless wonderful memories that will be shared for years to come. She loved taking them to the Nature Center, Stepping Stones, playgrounds, or the mall. They always came home exhausted and sticky from some sweet treat she had given them, but incredibly happy and deeply loved. They adored her just as much and already miss their Grandma/Gamma/Gamama. They will never forget her. She often said her favorite thing was rocking them to sleep, an honor she had with all three grandchildren.

Sue was pure gold. She loved Norfolk Island Pines and tulips. She loved chatting on the phone and scratch-off lottery tickets. Her loss has created a void that can never be filled, but her memory will live on through her family and grandchildren.

Suzanne is survived by her loving husband, Gerald; her children, Caroline and her husband Christopher of Ridgefield, and their children Penelope, Nora, and Oliver; and Edwin and his partner Rachel of Old Lyme. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Rosemary Bosse, and her husband Gary, along with her niece and nephew, Maryrose and Joseph of Newington; and by her sister Alice Stackhouse and her husband Robert, and their children Alison, Christine and Robert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Edwin Potetz; her brother, John Potetz; and her parents-in-law, Marion and Frank Stackhouse.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Farrell Funeral Home in New Britain, 110 Franklin Sq. Funeral services will be held with a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 27, at 10:30 AM at Saint Mary's Church in Newington, 626 Willard Ave, and will be followed by burial at Saint Mary's Cemetery in New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's, a cause very important to Sue's heart. The family would also like to thank the healthcare professionals at Hartford HealthCare who supported Sue and her family through the most difficult times, always with compassion and a smile.