Obituary of Susanne F. DeGrasse

Susanne F. DeGrasse, 76, wife of Joseph A. DeGrasse, went home to be with our Lord on January 21, 2022. She was born Nov. 21, 1945 in Calais Maine, the daughter of Leo B. and Mavis K. (Lane) Phelan.

Susanne grew up in Calais and Limestone, and graduated from Caribou High School in 1963. She attended the University of Maine and worked for many years in social work. Susanne was a gifted musician and composer. She was a longtime, active member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish serving in the music ministry of St. Teresa’s and St. Mary’s Church. Susanne was a devoted grandmother and made many memories with her family traveling, camping, apple picking and baking together. She was famous for her homemade pizza and bread. She also enjoyed gardening and interior decorating. She was an avid reader of scripture and writer, as many knew from receiving her loving cards of encouragement. All who met her were touched by her kindness, sweetness, and generous spirit. She was also known for her unwavering devotion to her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ

Surviving in addition to her loving and devoted husband of 38 years, Joe, are four children, Adam Shaw and his wife Shelley of Glenburn; Aaron Shaw and his wife Betsey of Bangor, Aimee Brooks and her husband John of Glenburn and Aubry Shaw and his wife Melissa of Canandaigua, NY; 18 special grandchildren & 4 great grandchildren; two brothers, Leo Phelan and wife Gloria of Milford, MA and Michael Phelan of Bangor; one sister, Patricia Nugent and husband Charles of Baring; several special nieces and nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a dear brother, Robert (Bob) Phelan.

Family and friends may visit 4 – 6 PM Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor and will be livestreamed at HERE. Burial at Riverside Cemetery, Orono will be in the spring. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic School, PO Box 1749, Bangor, ME 04402-1749 or donate HERE. Messages and memories may be shared with her family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.