Susan Barnes of Branford, passed away at Evergreen Woods, May 13, 2024, surrounded by her son A. Prentice (Pat) Barnes Jr., and daughter Lauren Barnes. Susan was born on Dec. 14, 1942. She is predeceased by father Dan Cosgrove; mother Alice Cosgrove; and her former husband A. Prentice Barnes Sr. Susan is survived by her brothers, Daniel and Mark Cosgrove (Linda Cosgrove); two grandchildren, Margaret “Missy” Mooney and Thomas “Tom” Barnes; and a very large extended family.

She graduated from Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross as a history major and worked in insurance until she returned to Branford to take care of her father. Susan followed in her father’s (Dan) philanthropic ideology, as well as the behind-the-scenes political acumen, and was a force to be reckoned with for whatever causes or organizations she became involved with, which were many throughout her life. She was honored and received many awards and commendations, including receiving the Beacon Award (2021) for her various services and oftentimes a founding member of some organizations that she held dear to her heart, which were the following: Feed Branford Kids, Branford Compassion Club, Orchard House, Blackstone Library, Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and Connecticut Hospice. She also served her political aspirations as a board member of the Commission of Service for the Elderly and constable. She was a longtime communicant of St. John Bosco Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Her passions were loud and clear: if it’s the mission to serve animals, elderly or children; and if your wish was to become or remain an elected official, she was the one woman that was needed to secure success.

Visiting hours will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, May 20, in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Donations to Branford Compassion Club, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471, or at branfordcompassionclub.org. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.