July 30, 1938 ~ August 21, 2024
Marlborough – Dr. Suzanne “Sue” Irujo 86 of Marlborough MA, and formerly of NH, died peacefully at her home in The Branches on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
Sue was born in Evanston IL, the daughter of the late Helen Estes (Sprague) Broomell and John (Jack) Braham Broomell of Chicago IL.
Sue studied at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame IN, in Madrid Spain, at UMass Lowell, and she received her PhD in Applied Psycholinguistics from Boston University. She taught Spanish and English as a Second Language at various educational levels and international locations and became a professor of linguistics at Brown University and Boston University, specializing in English Language Learning.
Growing up, Sue enjoyed time spent around the family’s summer camps in Wisconsin. Later in life she enjoyed fall, winter, and spring at her and husband Peter’s hand-built post-and-beam house in the peace and quiet of the New Hampshire mountains, where she tended her gardens and loved hiking, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing. Summers were spent on a beautiful island in WI that was part of the family’s camp. Swimming, canoeing, dinners on the island, and full moon viewing on the lake with local family were favorite pastimes.
Sue will be missed for her sharp wit and intellect, love of family, cooking, hosting amazing Thanksgiving dinners and annual Christmas tree harvest that included baking Christmas cookies with the grandkids, and music. She played guitar, piano and sang, and always welcomed the opportunity to participate in song with others.
Sue is survived by her husband of 39 years Peter E. Barck of Marlborough and formerly NH, and her 3 sons Tony Irujo and his wife Christine of Westfield MA, Manu(el) Irujo and his wife Diane Hunter of New Bedford MA, and Dan Irujo of NH, and Peter’s daughter Maribeth Beauchamp and her husband Mark of Dudley MA, his 5 sons Peter D. Barck and his wife Mona of Bedford MA, Paul Barck and his wife Alicia of Westford MA, John Barck and his wife Nancy of Lancaster MA, Stephen Barck of Westminster MA, Tim Barck and his wife Megan MacLaughlin-Barck of WI, and 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers Dare Broomell and his wife Mary, Ken Broomell and his wife Nancy, and Ron Broomell all of WI, 2 sisters Ann Broomell and her husband Carl of WI, Jennie Gibson and her husband Chip of IN, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. And of course, Alex the Cat.
Following cremation, a private service will be held at a later date.
Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.