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The family of Susan C. (Slaughter) Darke uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
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The family of Susan C. (Slaughter) Darke uploaded a photo
Monday, August 12, 2019
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The family of Susan C. (Slaughter) Darke uploaded a photo
Monday, June 24, 2019
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Lee Campbell posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
It has taken me several days to gather myself together enough to comment about Susan. As I mention in my book, "Stow Away," she was one of the first adoptees and birthmothers I met back in 1975. She became a peer mentor. When I founded Concerned United Birthparents a year later, she served as its first Vice President. Early on, she also served as CUB's most public voice because she was much braver at the time than I was. Her courage did rub off on me, thank good-ness. Time passed and distance grew. I only heard from Susan once over the past couple years, when she wrote to tell me she was fighting an often fatal cancer. Little did I know then that I would again follow in Susan's footsteps and fight my own battle with cancer. When it is my time to "go," I hope I can make my exit with some of the same grace Susan showed. On the other side, I hope we will again stand shoulder to shoulder and she will share with me what she has learned.
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Carrie O'Toole posted a condolence
Monday, November 16, 2015
God must Love Us much; for He gave Us Susan; who helped me find my Birthparents.. SHE supported me and my family with humor, grace and comfort during those years.. To her family; know that She was much loved by All in the Adoption Triad .. Miss you Susan & rejoice in having known you !! Carrie
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Kathleen Aghajanian posted a condolence
Saturday, November 14, 2015
I met Susan in 1983 & always admired the efforts she made in behalf of<br>the community of adoption. A lot of people owe her a great debt for<br>helping to bring them together with their families of origin. A pioneer<br>who will long be remembered. On behalf of Concerned United Birthparents,<br>I thank you.
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Linda Clausen posted a condolence
Friday, November 13, 2015
I was very sad to hear that Susan Darke passed away. She was such a gift to so many. I never met Susan, but as the facilitator of a Concerned United Birthparents support group, in Washington, D.C., I used Adoption Connections whenever I had a Massachusetts or New England Search. I remember one searcher who was the sister of the birthmother. The birthmother was dying and the sister wanted to find her sister's child for her before her sister died. I knew that some searches took months, but Susan responded and was able to find very quickly. This was so much appreciated due to the nature of the situation. Adoption Connections was a legend and helped so many families. Thank you for your creation and hard work for members of the adoption triad, Susan. My heartfelt sympathy to each member of her family.
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Janice Kirk Redle posted a condolence
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thanks to all those who have already shared their memorial messages. I graduated from Assumption High School with Susan in 1962. Several comments on Susan's SMILE and "WHITTY QUIPS" are also memories that I have! One of my favorite poems is THE DASH...which basically says, it doesn't matter the date of our birth or the date of our death...what really matters is what we do with THE DASH that connects those two dates. Susan certainly used her DASH well and I'm sure the good Lord gave her a big hug as he greeted her with the words, "Well done good and faithful daughter!" Classmates of AHS 1962 will keep Susan's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
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Sheila F. posted a condolence
Friday, November 13, 2015
Susan was magic. Everyone in her circle was captivated by her. Kindness, humor, compassion, intelligence and wisdom oozed from her every pore. I met Susan in 1981 on my first day of work for the Dept of Children and Families and turned to her constantly for help and guidance over the years. We had a close professional relationship but more importantly we were close personal friends, and were there for each other in happy and sad times. Her death leaves a huge whole in my heart and in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Sheila F.
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Mary Anne Cohen posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
I knew Susan in the 70s when we were among the founding members of Concerned United Birthparents along with Lee Campbell. Susan helped so many others to reunite in CUB and through her Adoption Connection triad group. She was always upbeat, funny, and sensible and sustained many through search, reunion, and relationship. Sympathy to her family who lost a truly special mom, grandma and friend. I am finally in a wonderful relationship with my surrendered son, thanks to those like Susan who gave me hope through the years of silence that have finally ended. May perpetual light shine upon her and may she rest in peace, after a life of service well lived.
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Marie MacLaren Linder posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The world looks a little different to me without Susan's wonderful presence in it. She helped my adopted children's birthparents and Ben and I meet and open our hearts to each other over thirty years ago. A life enriching experience. I am grateful she has been in my world. She always will be.<br>Marie MacLaren Linderqhh
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Tricia Wolf Loehnert posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Deb, Denise, Dody, and Dyan I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. Susan was my godmother. Because she moved away from Louisville so long ago, I hardly knew her. I do, however, remember her warm and vivacious personality. I have fond memories of Aunt Helen's birthday party here in Louisville when I met all of you. That was a special day...being with family in which the many years and miles separated us. I know you will miss your mom terribly and pray that you feel God's presence during this difficult time. After reading the above messages from those whose lives were touched by Susan, I realize what a truly remarkable woman your mom was. May God bless each of you and your families. With deepest sympathy. Tricia Loehnert
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Tricia Wolf Loehnert posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Debi, Denise, Dody, and Dyan, I was so saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. Susan was my godmother. Although I hardly new her, I do remember her warm and vivacious personality. I have fond memories of your grandmother's birthday party party here in Louisville. It was wonderful being with family in which the many years and miles separated us. I know you will miss your mother terribly and I pray that you will feel God's presence during this difficult time. After reading all the messages above, I realize what a truly remarkable woman she was. May God bless each of you and your families. With deepest sympathy. Tricia LoehnertTrishloehnert
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Sandy musser posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Susan and I met through our mutual dedication to reuniting families and reforming the adoption system. I admired her work and we became great friends. During a difficult period in my life, she sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to our office with a touching note that said, "Sandy, you'll never walk alone -- we are with you!" Susan was a dear, loving, caring person and I know she will continue to be with us from a higher plane.
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Jeanne Brumbaugh posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Sandy was my search and reunion coach in the mid 80's. She was caring and supportive; I will always be grateful to have had her in my life. I went to every Adoption Connection support group because of how warm and supportive these meetings were. I felt safe and welcome. I was hoping to stop by when I move back to New England next year. I guess not. I will miss Sandy terribly.
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Bob Childs posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
When it comes to the measure of one's life, one of the biggest measures must be how many people have you helped along the way. I will be forever indebted to Susan for starting the Adoption Connection and helping to create a space where all members of the triad could talk with each other, cry with each other and understand each other. May her legacy live on!
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thomas washburn sr posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Phil and Susan's family. I will miss Susan's friendly face and her laugh. She always would make you smile. Tom
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MarySue Wedl posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Susan and I met through our beliefs that people who chose to search, whether they were a birthparent, adoptee or adoptive parent. She was a joy to work with. Not only was she an incredible person, but a very dear friend. She has earned her place in Heaven. Susan you will be greatly missed.
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Susan Miller-Havens posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
I am proud to be 1 of the 8,000 searches Susan did, but more proud to have had her in my and my family's lives for so many many decades. During the 10 year period of searching for my origins, running groups, doing research, developing conferences with Debbie Blanchard and Marie McLean et al we developed an additional family. Our triads were a first. Birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees all learning one another's perspectives. Susan was at the center, but never domineered. Her heart and her risk taking brain soldiered us through pain, sorrow, disappointments and shear joy just as she fought to keep her own life intact til the end.<br>There is so much more to say, but then there are 8,000 of you who need to write your messages today. Susan
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Barbara posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
I was saddened to read that Susan had passed away. Prayers to her family. I am forever grateful for the aid of Susan in helping me locate my sister 18+ years ago!! She enabled me to have that sisterly bond that I always dreamt of!!
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Travis & Susan Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Trav & I have lost our dearest friend... Susan, you have been so brave throughout this final journey - may you now rest in peace. To her beautiful family, she was so proud of all of you; you were her pride, joy, inspiration and strength to go on for so long. Phil, you were a terrific partner and friend to Susan for so many years; the love and devotion you shared will always be remembered. Now it's our turn to try to find comfort in memories of the time we shared. You know our Susan is looking down on us, and will have a witty quip for resolving our dilemmas... With love & sympathy, Trav & Sue
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John and Peggy Todd posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
we were traveling with Sandy (Susan's sister) and Andy last year and stopped in Peabody for a visit. We had dinner at the marina with Susan and much of her family and friends. We were so impressed with the happiness and love that was shared by the entire group. Susan left footprints that will never be erased. She will be missed by many and always remembered by her smile and wonderful personality. May she Rest In Peace with the Lord... <br> John and Peggy Todd Hoschton, GA.
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joyce maguire pavao posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
having known susan for about forty years, i have to say that she was a true search angel. i had already searched and found when i met her, but i sent many adoptees and birth and adoptive parents to her over the years and required that any new interns or staff attended adoption connection to learn from the heart.<br>susan contributed a great deal to the world and to the world of adoption. may she rest in peace and may this country give all adopted people access to their original birth certificates - it will make susan smile from above.
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Brenda Cotter posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
When I was in my 20s and first reaching out to other adoptees, I was led to Susan who was incredibly supportive. I will always remember her kindness.
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Deb & John Blanchard posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
I know when I look at the sky there will be thousands of stars in the heavens welcoming and celebrating all Susan Darke has accomplished in her life. She had a gift of bringing light, joy and hope into the darkest corners of people's lives. Her commitment and love for her family was everything. When Susan founded the Adoption Connection in the 1970s she brought those same qualities to connecting people who had been separated by adoption, and I was one of those people. There is no dispute Susan was a pioneer as she pushed for more openness in adoption. As she continued to travel down the path of uncharted waters, I was privileged to be part of that journey for thirty years. I treasure every moment. Our prayers, thoughts, love and hearts are with her family and all those who loved her. Deb & John Blanchard
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