Susan (Suzy) Bell Trowbridge

Susan (Suzy) Bell Trowbridge, 78, of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 4, surrounded by her adoring four sons and husband of 53 years, James W. Trowbridge. Suzy was born in Chicago, IL, the second daughter of Joseph and Sallie Bell, raised in Winnetka, IL, and educated at Woodlands Academy (‘59) and Newton College of the Sacred Heart (‘63), now Boston College.

Suzy taught at an elementary school and then was a feature writer for the Chicago Tribune’s “Women’s Page”, before marrying Jimmy on April 1, 1967. Together, they embarked on an adventurous odyssey following Jimmy’s postings with the Ford Foundation’s regional offices in Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Washington DC, and New York, which brought the family to Princeton, NJ in 1978. Suzy next worked with the new Forrestal Village’s commercial marketing, followed by several years’ writing the Town Topics’ commercial column, “It’s News To Us”, and then for the past 35 years as a broker associate with the Henderson family’s real estate firms, now Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Suzy’s bright light, warm smile, and her gracious, joyful manner immediately engaged and was loved by everyone she met, wherever she went. She was highly active in supporting her sons at each of their schools and was an enthusiastic participant in each community’s arts, music, and sports.

She delighted in introducing her four sons and daughters-in-law, Jamie (Shannon O’Neil), Jeb (Ali Trowbridge), Mark (Sylmarie Trowbridge), and Matthew (Suzanne Cunningham), and nine grandchildren to her countless friends. Suzy lived for her relationships, exemplified being other-directed, and was always ready to lend support in her upbeat, cheerful way. She was fun and truly embraced life as an adventure.

Suzy is also survived by her three sisters, Sallie Bulley (Kenilworth, IL), Bonnie Pacelli (Winnetka, IL), and Betsy Riley (Princeton, NJ).

Gifts in Suzy's memory may be made to HandsTogether.org, to support Susan Trowbridge Scholarships for the higher education and empowerment of selected young women living in Haiti's poorest areas.