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Susan Safford, 83, passed away on April 1, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida where she has lived for nearly 40 years. She was born February 12, 1943, in Plymouth, Massachusetts to Carl and Ethel Groetzinger. Susan graduated from Plymouth High School where she enjoyed being active in her church, Chiltonville Congregational Church. She later graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts as Magna Cum Laude and a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. Susan furthered her education once again with a Master's degree from Boston College School for Social Work in 1966. After working in Maine for two years as a psychiatric social worker, she spent four years as an adjudicator and supervisor for Social Security. On August 2, 1969, she married the love of her life: Robert "Mickey" Safford. After the birth of their first daughter, Katherine, Susan became involved with the La Leche League where she served as a leader. She also served Brockton Christ Congregational Church as a Sunday School Teacher and Board Member. In 1988, Susan received a second Master's degree in Education from Bridgewater College. That same year, Mickey retired and moved the family to Florida before finally settling in Tallahassee in 1990. Susan retired from the Office of Disability in 2000. In Tallahassee, Susan was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as an ordained Elder and choir member. Her passion for service was handed down from generations of family members. She fought ardently for what she believed in, as a longstanding union member. She belonged to Bread of the World, lobbying for hunger issues. Justice was of the upmost importance to her. Her faith sustained her throughout her life. She loved her family. Susan is now reunited in Heaven with her parents and her beloved husband, Robert "Mickey" Safford whom preceded her in passing. Survivors include her children Katherine “Kay” Ignacio (Elmer), Christiana Rose Messer (Bobby); grandchildren Kaitlin Meyer, Lawson Meyer, Tyson Meyer, Aidan Hardcastle, and George Messer as well as a host of extended family and friends whom she loved dearly. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Big Bend Hospice or 211 Big Bend. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Susan Safford

February 12, 1943 - April 1, 2026