Susan (Patriarca) Cardinal

Susan M. (Patriarca) Cardinal, 49, of Millbury, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away surrounded by the family she loved Thursday, October 25^th, 2018 after a courageous fight with cancer. 

Susan was born in Worcester on March 20, 1969, one of three children of Francis J. “Babe” and Ellen L. (Dee) Patriarca.  She graduated from Shrewsbury High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from Framingham State College and her master’s degree from Lesley University in Cambridge.    In 1996, Susan married the “Love of her Life” Arthur “Art” Cardinal, together they began a 23-year love story.

Susan earned her license as a Mental Health clinician, and as a self-employed counselor, dedicated herself to helping clients overcome all different types of challenges, notably end of life concerns, grieving children and AIDS/HIV patients.  Seven years ago, Susan accepted a clinical position with Child Health Associates in Auburn where she continued to assist children and families and had a positive impact on the lives of so many. 

Susan is survived by her husband Art; two sons Francis “Frankie” and Jack Cardinal; her parents Francis “Babe” and Ellen (Dee) Patriarca of Northborough; a brother, Thomas J. Patriarca and his wife Donna of Attleboro; her sister, Julianne Fitzgerald and her husband Mark of Millbury; her father and mother-in-law, Robert and Sharon Gallerani; brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Maggie Cardinal; five nieces and two nephews, Aunts, Uncles, other extended family members and a host of friends. 

She was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, and found strength in her faith.  Along with her husband, her children always came first in her life.  Susan was the backbone of her family and remained devoted to them throughout her life.  She was a beautiful person and gifted artist who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, talks with dear friends, graphic arts, especially watercolors, cooking, and reading.   She truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important in life and had room in her heart for everyone she met.  Susan was extremely generous with her love, time and talents, and helped anyone she could.  

Susan’s unwavering drive and passion was to create as many cherished memories for Art and her boys as possible.  Over the past two years Susan and her family traveled to New York City, New Hampshire, the New Jersey Seashore, Newport and most recently Italy.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, October 29^th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 30^th, 2018 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd.  (please go directly to church).  Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.