Suzanne A (Fiolek) Rauch

Suzanne A. (Fiolek) Rauch, 91, of Torrington, CT, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.  

Sue was born in Litchfield, CT, daughter of the late Andrew and Susan (Cichy) Fiolek .

Sue graduated from Litchfield High School in 1949 and earned her BA degree from MacMurray College, IL, in 1953. She returned to CT to teach English and Social Studies at Swift Junior High in Watertown.  She met the love of her life, Bob, on a blind date and they enjoyed 49 years together before Bob’s passing in 2006.  She left teaching to raise her six children and then returned as a substitute teacher in the Torrington School System until 1991.

Sue enjoyed her children’s activities and sports; she chaperoned school trips, volunteered in the school library, was a den mother, a religious education teacher and an active member of the St. Francis Women’s Club, Home-School Association and most recently in the Bereavement Ministry. Additionally, Sue found great satisfaction in her home of 50 years through painting, wallpapering, sewing, cooking and gardening.  She also served the community as a Literacy Volunteer, AARP Money Manager Aid, and as Assistant Registrar at the polls.

Sue and Bob enjoyed traveling in Europe, cruises with friends and a 7 week cross-country trip upon Bob’s retirement in 1997.  Their last adventure in 2005 was a 16 day trip to the Hawaiian Islands.  Closer to home, they enjoyed September on Cape Cod for many years.  Until recently, Sue continued to travel to nearby states to visit her children and grandchildren. 

Sue is survived by her six children, Robert Rauch Jr. and wife Kathryn, of NY; Edward Rauch and wife Annette of NJ; Juli Connolly of MA; Jayne Stocker and husband Richard of RI; Ellen Liquindoli and husband William of CT; and Catherine Lazo and husband Michael of MA.

She was loved and adored by 16 Grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Sue also leaves behind her sister, Mary Loughlin of Long Island and brother-in-law Reverend Edward Rauch of PA. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Bob, son-in-law Gerard Connolly and granddaughter, Natalie Liquindoli; as well as 5 siblings Andrew, Catherine, Stephen, Jacob, and Francis.

Suzanne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Southington Care Center for their exceptional care and respect during the past year and to Keystone Place, where Mom enjoyed  four years of love and grace with the Keystone family!

Funeral services will all be on Monday, October 9, 2023.  Visitation is at the Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington, 9:00-10:30. Mass will be at 11:00 at St. Francis Church, 160 Main St., Torrington; Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, 236 E. Pearl St., Torrington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Suzanne’s honor to The Oblates of St. Francis deSales, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province, 2200 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington DE,19806 (or online www.oblates.org); or to St. John Paul the Great Parish, 160 Main St, Torrington CT 06790. 

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