Susan Moukalled

Susan Marie Swofford Moukalled, 62, of East Bridgewater, MA passed as she lived: surrounded by the beauty she brought into the world. She left us, for now, at her home on July 22, 2020, where she created so much joy and happiness. She was accompanied in her final months by the fortifying presence of her beloved daughter and son, her loving sisters, and the well-wishes of those whose lives were brightened by knowing her. Truly, to know her was to love her.

Born on July 8, 1958, in St. Louis, MO to William Tate and Anne O’Hara Swofford, Susan was the fourth of five siblings and adored from the start. As a child, her and her family moved east, starting in Missouri, transitioning to Connecticut, and then finally settling in Massachusetts. Susan graduated from Hingham High School in 1976 and then went on to earn a degree from Quincy College. Having moved to East Bridgewater in 1995, she loved the small town feel and made it her final home, living there for over 25 years.

Susan is fondly remembered as the creative member of the family who found her passion early. She was a self-made artisan, skilled in spinning and weaving with a talent for texture, color, and an ability to spin “gold”. Over the decades she created a memorable body of work, almost always as gifts for friends or family, including impressive afghans, a host of dream catchers, detailed embroidery pieces, and hand spun, handwoven wall hangings, which often incorporated the beautiful crystals she collected. Just like her art, every room was better for having Susan in it.

Susan considered motherhood her greatest accomplishment and her two children, Hattim and Summer, were her pride and joy. She was always eager to brag about her son’s latest catch or her daughter’s latest adventure, with proud stories never far from her lips. She found gratitude in the time spent with them and treated their friends, and her nieces and nephews, like her very own.

Though her cancer was originally diagnosed in 2008, Susan’s tenacity and fight allowed her to defy the odds time and time again. The 12 additional years given to her and her family were a true blessing filled with celebrations of birthdays, graduations, weddings, and even her father’s celebration of life.

Although in the end Susan lost her sight and ability to walk, one thing is for sure, Susan never lost her faith. She created deep friendships and will always be known for her witty sense of humor, loyalty, honesty, tranquility, and openness. Her spirit will forever live on in those she touched.

As part of her last wishes, and testament to Susan’s kindness and  compassion, her brain has been donated for scientific research in hopes of finding a cure. Thank you to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Whitman Wellness Center, Signature Healthcare Bridgewater, Old Colony Elder Services, Bayada Home Health, East Bridgewater Housing Authority, and Old Colony Hospice. We will always be grateful for the dedication, service, and commitment provided to Susan over the years by the individuals in these organizations.

Susan is survived by her two children, Hattim Moukalled of East Bridgewater and Summer Moukalled of Boston; her mother Anne of The Villages, FL; her siblings Charles (Sharon) of The Villages, FL, Michael of Kenosha, WI, Julie (Andy) of Weston, MA and Nancy (Bill) of Lakewood Ranch, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Susan was preceded in death by her beloved father, William Swofford.

Angels are often said to have harps, but they’ll have to make room for Susie and her loom. We will miss you and love you forever.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Susan Moukalled to support her Neuro-Oncologist’s work: Dr. Lakshmi Nayak’s Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,  P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.  Please write checks to Dana-Farber and include Dr. Nayak’s Research Fund in the memo section.  To give online, please visit www.dfci.org/give