WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Susan Lee Haff (Markham), 85, died at home after a short battle with cancer, cared for in her final months by her children and daughter-in-law.

Sue was welcomed into the world by her parents, Charles and Blanche (Wiggins) Haff, and her brother Daniel, on February 12, 1940 in Fort Edward, NY. They lived in a multi-generational home, where she spent the first eight years of her life within a short walk of many relatives in the wake of the Great Depression. She had vivid memories of her community’s patriotism during World War II and the hardships associated with the wartime effort. This fostered her frugality, dedication to community and family connections, and instilled a strong moral compass.

At the age of eight, her family moved to Squantum, MA, a small suburb within view of the Boston skyline. She graduated in 1958 from North Quincy High School and, at her father’s insistence, attended Katharine Gibbs School in Boston. Her Gibbs education led to positions at organizations such as Arthur D. Little, where she established her most important friendship that endured until her passing.

In 1960, she met Richard Markham, a native of Kansas who was serving in the US Coast Guard. They married in 1961 and relocated to Minnesota where she worked while Richard pursued graduate studies. James (Jim) Markham, was born in 1962 and Amy Markham followed in 1963.

The young family eventually returned to Massachusetts, living primarily in Williamstown, where Sue developed and nurtured family activities and traditions such as nightly dinner together, family board game nights, church on Sunday, festive Christmas and Easter celebrations and hours spent sewing and knitting clothes for Jim and Amy. She was ahead of her time in nutritional awareness and prepared all meals from scratch, including six loaves of homemade bread every week.

Throughout her marriage, there were annual car trips to visit the Markham family in Kansas. She and Richard extended these trips to expose Jim and Amy to different perspectives and experiences by visiting historical sites, national parks and camping in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

Sue had a fascination with US history, especially as it played out in New England. She loved historical museums and became a student of crafts and their historical place in American society. Her knowledge of textiles and fibers, as well as her expertise in hand quilting, needlework, knitting and tailoring was cherished by the recipients of her custom-made gifts and those who learned these crafts from her.

Raised to respect authority and to be seen not heard, Sue became more comfortable as an adult speaking up for what she believed in and advocating for herself. She eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree (North Adams State College) and a Master’s degree (University of Massachusetts at Amherst), specializing in American social history. Her intelligence and lifelong commitment to learning were actualized through her education, making employment in museums, foundation and nonprofit organizations possible. Most enriching among these were years spent working at Hancock Shaker Village, and volunteering with Kestrel Land Trust.

Jim’s marriage to Emmy Howard, and their children Lucas and Eva, further enriched her life. Sue and Emmy bonded through a mutual love of gardening, baking and the outdoors. Eva has fond memories of Grandma Sue’s blueberry peach cobbler, sense of style, resilience, “sneaky sense of humor”, deep knowledge of local architecture and being quizzed about it when they drove together. Lucas remembers the tradition of annual trips to Cape Cod with his grandmother, as well as a sailing trip in Maine. He noted that she always found ways to make things special and memorable.

Sue was a dedicated volunteer in a range of organizations, most of which supported nature, sustainability, youth mentorship, helping those less fortunate and in local government. In her final days, our family has been so proud to learn that her contributions were impactful and that her friends appreciated her zest for life and generosity.

An avid gardener, her lovingly tended flower gardens were admired by many and it brought her joy to share plants with friends who were expanding their gardens or just getting started.

Singing and music were essential parts of her life. She often sang along at home to choir, folk, gospel and contemporary music, and cherished the many years she spent as a choir member at Grace Church (Amherst), St. John’s (Williamstown) and Trinity Church (Boston). The church was a foundational aspect of her life where she spent countless hours on committees, serving as a greeter and a reader during weekly services.

Always interested in the world, she made multiple trips to Europe and one to China. At the age of 83, she planned a DIY trip to Norway and Sweden with a dear friend, including off the beaten path locations. Her intrepid spirit of adventure inspired many.

Though physically diminutive, she was incredibly strong and resilient, overcoming numerous challenges in her life until reaching smoother waters in retirement years. Her determination was put to the test when she adopted a puppy at the age of 82 and eventually got the upper hand with Lulu, her 50 pound, four-legged roommate.

She always thought of others and went out of her way to be helpful. She once drove Jim two hours north to begin a solo backtracking trip and gladly made an extra round trip when they discovered that he had forgotten his hiking boots. Amy learned not to be surprised to come home from a particularly busy day at work or from a work trip abroad to find flowers and/or a homemade meal awaiting her.

In addition to Jim, Emmy, Amy, Lucas and Eva, Sue is survived by her beloved sister-in-law Stephanie Haff, nieces Jennifer Goulding (husband Dennis) and Sarah Stanganelli (husband Joe and their children Jack and Julia) and nephew Denniston Haff.

She will be remembered for her persistence, curiosity, attention to detail and wish for people to focus on their shared humanity in the face of politically divisive times. Though she sometimes felt that she was born in the wrong century, she understood the need to evolve with the times and was more adept with her iPhone than most octogenarians. Her big laugh, warmth and sense of humor will be missed by those who were privileged to know her.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Church in Williamstown, MA on June 28 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Kestrel Land Trust at kestreltrust.org/give/tribute-gift/ or through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home - CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the book of memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com