ATKINSON, NH: Susan E. Spurling, 73, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on January 22, 2019 at Mass General Hospital. She was the wife of Atty. Dennis M. Spurling.
Born in Haverhill on August 11, 1945, Susan was the daughter of the late John O. and Bernice E. (Eaton) Ellis.
Following her graduation from Haverhill High School, Class of 1963, she earned her associate degree at Northern Essex, her bachelor in elementary education at University of Mass Amherst in 1967, and a master's in Education from Fitchburg State. Susan's rewarding career as a 6th grade teacher in Haverhill spanned 41 years, almost entirely at John Greenleaf Whittier before retiring in 2008.
Susan was a kind and giving person who lived her life in service to her family, her friends, countless students, and others. For many years, Susan worked on behalf of the local chapter of DAR to help award scholarships to high school students for good citizenship. Susan was an avid reader and world traveler. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and across the US, as well as a particularly memorable trip to Egypt.
Susan is survived by her husband of fifty years, Atty. Dennis M. Spurling; daughter, Erin Spurling of Plum Island; son, Daniel Spurling and his wife Jennifer Groskin of Newburyport; two grandsons who were the sunshine of her life, Sawyer and Max Spurling; siblings, Janet E. Potts of Englewood, FL, Stephen E. Ellis and his wife Joan of Andover. Susan was the sister of the late John O. Ellis, Jr. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews, and an incredible circle of dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Tuesday, January 29th, at 10:00 AM, at Atkinson Congregational Church. Calling hours Monday at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment in the Spring at Maplewood North Parish Cemetery. Donations in Susan's memory may be made to the Friends of Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St., Haverhill, MA 01830, or Habitat for Humanity, 14 Park St., Danvers, MA 01923. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com