Suzanne Jean LaFleur

 Suzanne J. LaFleur, 53, of Hampton, Connecticut, dealt courageously for a number of years with an aggressive Stage IV breast cancer. She died peacefully at Hartford Hospital on September 6, 2021, after having the chance to visit with family and friends. She was known to all as a kind, smart, beautiful, witty, and generous person. 

Suzanne was born in Norwich and grew up in Ledyard. She was a graduate of Ledyard High School and the College of the Holy Cross (Phi Beta Kappa). She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Virginia, where she met her loving husband of 27 years. From 1996 to 2021, she taught at Smith College and then at the University of Connecticut. She most recently also served as the Director of Faculty Development in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at UConn. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hampton and a dedicated volunteer for many local schools and organizations. 

Suzanne was exceptionally devoted to her three children, and they meant the world to her. Among many interests, she loved reading novels, watching the Red Sox, walking in the woods, teaching, playing with her cats, watching mindless and/or British television, spending time with family and friends, and supporting her children’s academic, artistic, and athletic endeavors.  

She is survived by: her husband, Preston Britner; her children, Samuel, Serena, and Colin Britner; her parents, William and Joyce LaFleur; and, her brothers, Mark and Brian LaFleur, and their families.  

In the spirit of her gracious disposition, gifts to support students in need may be made in Suzanne’s memory to The Fund for Saint Bernard (https://www.saintbernardschool.org/donate ) or the UConn Students First Fund (https://www.foundation.uconn.edu/fund/students-first-fund/ ). There are no public services scheduled at this time. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  

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