SOUTH PORTLAND — Susan E. Danforth, 53, died unexpectedly Sunday in Portland.

Born in Methuen, Mass., to George A. Danforth Jr. and Jeanne T. Bernardin Danforth, Danforth graduated from Andover High School in 1978. In 1982, she graduated summa cum laude from Merrimac College in North Andover, Mass. She also earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Vermont.

Danforth worked for the Portland Symphony Orchestra as a marketing assistant and publications coordinator, and more recently for Bowdoin College as associate director of communications and college editor. The staff at Bowdoin would often joke that no communication would go in or out of the college without Danforth proofreading it. She had a passion for music and education.

Danforth spent her quiet time at the home she loved, reading a classic novel, writing or watching old television shows. She also was a fan of figure skating and looked forward to the annual visit of professional skaters to Portland. She never missed the “skate show,” as she called it.

Danforth is survived by her parents of York; two brothers, George Arthur Danforth III of North Andover, Mass., Stephen J. Danforth and his wife Cynthia of Andover, Mass.; nieces Jennifer McMahan of Charlotte, N.C., and Stephanie Danforth of Andover, Mass.; a nephew, Stephen J. Danforth Jr. of Andover, Mass.; an aunt, Annette Bernardin of Winter Harbor; uncles Peter Bernardin of Seal Beach, Calif., and Leo Bernardin of Appleton, Wis.; and a special cat, Samantha.

A memorial service was held Thursday at the Bowdoin College Chapel in Brunswick. Spring interment will be held in York. Those desiring may make donations to the Westbrook Animal Refuge League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098. 

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