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Suzanne Degere-Lenhoff, 68
March 13, 2025
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Suzanne Degere-Lenhoff passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 68 at her home in Williamstown, MA.
A beloved mother, friend and sister, she was a dedicated teacher who especially loved teaching elementary students who struggled with reading to learn to enjoy it.
Sue was born in Northampton Massachusetts on December 30, 1956, to Jim Degere and Lois Kelly Degere who predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of 41 years John Lenhoff, her sons Andrew Lenhoff (Allie) of Cranston R.I, and James Lenhoff of Williamstown, MA, her siblings; Cheryl Chalk (Mike) of Fletcher NC, Peter Degere of Portchester, NY, Mitchell Degere of Auburn ME, and Paul Degere (Belky) of Woodbridge VA.
Sue graduated from Mt. Greylock Regional High School in the class of 1975, then graduated from UMASS-Amherst with a BA degree in Sociology, followed by a Masters Degree in Education/Reading Specialty from Baypath College.
Sue began her career as a sociologist with the NOBARC program before becoming a stay at home mom and then beginning an illustrious career as an elementary school teacher working with special needs student and reading specialist in a variety of area elementary schools.
She was an avid quilter who participated in local quilting guilds and clubs and not only taught quilting but also created quilts as consignment creations. Sue is known for her community involvement and is always ready to help any cause with hands, food donations or just the comfort of her kind words, humor and smile.
Her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandsons (Miles and Asa Lenhoff).
Calling hours are March 22, 1 pm – 5 pm at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes at 521 West Main St, North Adams MA 01247.
The family would like to thank the Staffs at the Phelps Cancer Center in Pittsfield, Hospice Care in the Berkshire and Dana Faber in Boston for their wonderful and compassionate care and support that helped to make her transition peaceful.
In lieu of flowers the family asked that you donate to the Berkshire Hospice in the Berkshires, 877 South St. Pittsfield, MA. 01201 or the Phelps Cancer Center, 165 Tor Ct. Pittsfield, MA. 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com
Sue was like a second mom growing up, kind and loving, and someone I aspired as I got older. She was always there with open arms and open doors. She is someone I will always treasure and think of fondly. My sincere condolences to the whole Lenhoff family. Anytime I create Ill be thinking of her. All my love. | from: Dani Collyer | on: 03-23-2025 |
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John, Jim, Andy, & Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Sue’s death. We had no idea that she was ill. She helped, brought joy and comfort to many. We remember having lots of laughs at Sand Springs Pool.
We are sorry to have missed her wake. We just saw her obituary last night. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Sincerely,
Marianne & Steve Nelson | from: Marianne &Steve Nelson | on: 03-23-2025 |
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John and family,
Such apt words for a wonderful lady.
So very sorry for your loss. | from: | on: 03-21-2025 |
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John and Family: So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies. | from: Christine Blankenship | on: 03-21-2025 |
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John, our condolences to you and your family. We keep you in our prayers | from: Mark and Jill Brooks Bow,NH | on: 03-20-2025 |
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John and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Sue. She was a lovely lady. | from: Mary Ellen Eliasen | on: 03-19-2025 |
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You have our deepest sympathy, John on the loss of Sue. She was a lovely person. | from: Katie & Jack Lanoue | on: 03-19-2025 |
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I had the honor of working with Susan at Bart. She was a wonderful person a fairy dedicated teacher. she will be missed by me and for those who have loved her and had the honor of working with her. May she rest in peace and condolences to all the family and friends. May she rest in peace. | from: Teresa Schaffer | on: 03-19-2025 |
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On behalf of the Archibald family, we are deeply saddened about Sue’s passing. She was a dear friend to all of us and was one of many who made Conor’s Run (Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome) such a huge success . May God keep you in his hands and may you and our sweet Conor be together arm in arm.
Bernadette Dave Courtney Erin Patrick | from: Archibald Family | on: 03-18-2025 |
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To Sue’s family, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I’ll always remember Sue as kind and devoted to her students and friends. Wishing you peace and comfort. | from: Lisa O’Brien | on: 03-18-2025 |
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I am so very sad to hear of Sue's passing. She was such a kind and compassionate friend and colleague. I loved hearing her talk about her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed! | from: Jean King | on: 03-18-2025 |
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The world has lost a shining star. Sue, you are thought of fondly and remembered with love. You were truly a gift to all of us that had the pleasure to know you. | from: Pat Feldman | on: 03-17-2025 |
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What a wonderful, fun loving, artistic person Sue was, and so generous of spirit. We met in ‘91 in the quilters guild and stayed connected through WES activities. Her memory is such a blessing. Please know that I am sending much love to her family and community. Such a loss; I’m so very sorry. | from: Kayte Miller | on: 03-17-2025 |
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Thinking of you and your family. Sincere condolences John. | from: Pam Rosasco | on: 03-17-2025 |
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John and all the family So very sorry for your loss. I did not know Sue but it seems she lived a life of great service. Thinking of you in prayer. | from: MARY KURPASKA | on: 03-17-2025 |
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Such a sweet caring woman. One of a kind. So sorry for this huge loss. | from: Susan Hogan | on: 03-17-2025 |
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i remember Sue as warm, genuine, fun, and a hard-working, enthusiastic mom at Little Red Schoolhouse when I was a teacher there. i have always treasured the quilt that she thoughtfully organized the parents to make for me when i left. She skillfully figured out how to turn the humble individual squares into a beautiful work of art. Of course! Thank you for your friendship, Sue. | from: Debbie Windover | on: 03-17-2025 |
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To Sue’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I’ve known Sue since we worked together at NOBARC in 1981. She was a wonderful person! You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Sincerely, | from: Kathy Gwozdz | on: 03-17-2025 |
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So very sorry to hear of Sue's passing ... she was one the fiercest advocates for children I have every known. She loved her students as her own ... What a loss for our community. | from: Elinor & Mike Goodwin | on: 03-17-2025 |
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I am a classmate of Sue's from 1975 MT Greylock High. My condolences to the family. Her obituary projected her amazing self that was full of life and a selfless personality. One hopes the memory of her will continue in her family and friends. | from: Caryl Goetsch Johnson | on: 03-17-2025 |
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Oh, my dear friend, I am so sad to learn of your passing. I will forever cherish the memories of our friendship, your kindness, and the unwavering support you have always offered me in all facets of our time and experiences together. I will miss you dearly. John and family, I am so incredible sorry for your loss. Sue was an exceptional person and I wish you all the love and comfort in the world to support you during this time. | from: Amanda Belanger | on: 03-17-2025 |
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I worked with Sue for a few years as an in class Para and let me tell you, she was so fun and full of light. One of the very best coworkers I've ever had.. She will always be missed. | from: Amanda Westerlind | on: 03-17-2025 |
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My condolences to the family. May the fond and loving memories be a comfort and always be with you. | from: John A. Bernardo Esq | on: 03-17-2025 |
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John, Jim, ANDY, Cheryl and brothers: Definition of ANGEL, Spiritual Being. That was Sue. We did. Nursery School, Elementary and High School. Conor's Run Angels. We laughed, we cried. We did it all back then. We WILL see you again., Love and Grief follow each other. Love Always. | from: Linda Perry (Collyer) | on: 03-17-2025 |
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John, I'm sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to help comfort you; please know you are in my thoughts. May your wife rest in peace. God bless ... | from: Bob Gallagher | on: 03-17-2025 |
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Atty Lenhoff I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless your family in this time of need. | from: John Gifford | on: 03-17-2025 |
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Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. | from: John Gifford | on: 03-17-2025 |
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Sue was a wonderful person and friend. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and the lives that she touched. Very sad to hear this news. | from: Dave Rennell | on: 03-17-2025 |
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To the Lenhoff family. We send our most sincere condolences on the passing of Sue. Our children went to Little Red School House together back in the day. Sue was always a ray of sun shine. May she rest in peace. | from: Joe & Diane Allard | on: 03-16-2025 |
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Barbara and I wish to express our deep and sincere condolences to you and your family on the death of your wife, Suzanne. | from: Pat & Barb Rondeau | on: 03-16-2025 |
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John and family, we are so sorry for your loss
| from: Jean & Dan Tatro | on: 03-16-2025 |
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I'm so sorry for your loss. Sue was a good friend to me in highschool. She was always friendly to everyone. I'm sure she will be missed desperately. God bless ? | from: Lynn Vincent Candilore | on: 03-16-2025 |
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I was a Mt Greylock class of 1975 classmate of Sue's. I also went to U Masss Amherst with Sue. I was so looking forward to seeing her at our 50 year class reunion. I want to extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. I read her obituary with awe and respect for an amazing life lived. Always remember - nothing loved is ever lost. God Bless you all. Lee Ann | from: Lee Ann LaPlante Wielhouwer | on: 03-16-2025 |
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Cheryl and Mitch. Sorry to hear of your sister Suzanne’s passing. You are in my prayers. | from: Betsy Howcroft | on: 03-16-2025 |
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My heart breaks reading of Sues passing. She spent so much of her growing up years at my house with my daughter Kathy. Will always love her and their many memories (good and otherwise). I hope her boys have nothing but happy times to remember her by. Joann (Burdick) Gaffey. | from: Joann Gaffey | on: 03-16-2025 |
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This is a sad day for everyone that knew Sue . She was well loved and she will be missed and remembered by everyone that knew Sue . Prayers ? for the Degere family | from: Wayne Estes | on: 03-16-2025 |
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John and family, I’m sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless | from: To Mahar | on: 03-16-2025 |
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Such a sad obituary to read. Sue was an incredible friend and the memories will be cherished.
Fondly, Sharon | from: Sharon DeMyer Nemser | on: 03-16-2025 |
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John and family,
i am very sorry to hear of Sues passing. I knew her in high her in high school. Thoughts are with you all. | from: Deb Casuscelli Blanchard | on: 03-15-2025 |
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To john and the Degree family I am heartfully sorry for your loss. I will always remember Sue for her wonderful sen sense of humor, good hardness and wonderful laugh. She will be sadly missed. God bless. | from: Chris Girard | on: 03-15-2025 |
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To Sue's Family, I remember Sue when she taught at Drury High School. She was a nice compassionate person. | from: Pam Kidder | on: 03-15-2025 |
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Sorry for your loss. | from: Michael E. McKeon | on: 03-15-2025 |
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Attorney Lenhoff and family, My sincere condolences to all of you. Deborah Gifford-Cohen | from: Deborah Gifford-Cohen | on: 03-15-2025 |
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My ole dear friend, it breaks my heart to hear of your passing. My memories of our friendship are filled with fun, humor and escapades of varying degrees. Your absence in this world will be felt by many. My love and condolences to John and your family. God Speed, Gramma Sue ??
| from: | on: 03-15-2025 |
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Worked with Sue at NOBARC she was a lovely person. So sorry for the family’s loss may you all find comfort during this time. My condolences | from: Susan Fitzpatrick | on: 03-15-2025 |
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James; I miswrote your name on another writing to you and your family. I am thinking of you, your father, and Andrew. Please accept my condolences. Your mom was indeed an incredibly special person. She will be missed by all who knew her. God bless all of you. ? | from: Susan Kirby | on: 03-15-2025 |
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John, Andrew, John, and family;
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sue was indeed a treasure and cared about anyone who came into her life. I saw her and grandsons at the waterpark one morning. She was so very proud of them. Sue would often remark to me how much she enjoyed my mom as her second grade teacher. She always had a most infectious laugh; one that will always remain a wonderful memory. I hope all of you can use your many memories of her to help guide you through this most difficult time. | from: Susan Kirby | on: 03-15-2025 |
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Dear John, Jim, Andy and Family - I was so very shocked to learn that Sue passed away! Although we had not seen each other in quite some time, we communicated via social media (Facebook). This is devastating news and I am so very, very sorry. Sue was a good friend and got me through many days when Marissa and Jim were babies. She had such a great smile, laugh and disposition. May the wonderful memories you have of her help to comfort you in the days ahead. Again, my sympathies to you all. She will be missed and always loved! Carla (Daugherty/Parker) Holness | from: Carla (Parker) Holness | on: 03-15-2025 |
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I worked with Sue for many years during her second career and she was always good company, | from: Ben | on: 03-15-2025 |
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To Sue's family and friends I send my love and condolences. She had a smile and kind word for everyone. She will be missed. | from: Cindy (Pecor)Schneider | on: 03-15-2025 |
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I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Sue as we worked many years together.
Michelle Darling | from: John and family | on: 03-15-2025 |
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I'm shocked and saddened by the loss of Sue. She was a wonderful person. My condolences to family and friends. | from: Patricia Labendz | on: 03-15-2025 |
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