Susan Bezanson BERLIN Susan (Eaves) Bezanson, 44, of Berlin, died on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at her home after a 15-year battle with breast cancer. She was the wife of Andy Bezanson. An unrelenting spirit enabled her to manage a demanding professional life and a passionate love of outdoor life. Sue Eaves committed herself to a career in transfusion medicine in 1986, when she graduated from the University of Vermont and joined the laboratory at Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Although island life in those early years had its appeal, Sue and her new friend, Andy Bezanson, soon moved ashore to pursue their goals. Supervisory and management positions at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and New England Medical Center followed. She conducted research at Deaconess Hospital where she obtained certification as a specialist in blood banking. She was a devoted member and past president of the Massachusetts Association of Blood Banks. An authority in blood bank management, she served as lead lab inspector, assisting hospitals in the Northeast achieve accreditation in transfusion medicine. From 1994 until cancer forced semi-retirement early this year, Sue served at Faulkner Hospital, where she was dedicated to promoting patient safety and quality assurance in blood transfusion. Sue championed for uncompromising patients care. She was honored with a Partners in Excellence citation from Partners Healthcare, and the Norman Sadowsky Award for Excellence for outstanding accomplishments, dedication and passion. Sue was not skilled at relaxing. Her technical and management experience was brought to bear in volunteer work with the Berlin Rescue Squad. On winter weekends, Sue loved the time she spent at Sunday River, where she was a member of the volunteer ski patrol for 16 years. Her skill and dedication earned her the nickname, Little Ski. In the spring and summer, she found release in meticulously maintaining and sailing on an old wooden schooner, Green Dragon. She was a valued shipmate, handling more than her share. In all these activities Sue and Andy were inseparable, and usually accompanied by their Weimaraner, Libby, and then Maggie. When cancer got in the way of skiing, she switched her energy to creating beautiful pieces of woven beaded jewelry for her friends, then donated the proceeds for Breast Cancer Research. Susan was born in Nebraska and grew up in Salem, N.H, daughter of Verna Eaves of Pittsburgh, Pa., and the late Gerard Eaves. In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two brothers, Ronald Eaves of Charlotte, N,C., Donald Eaves and his wife, Kerry, and their children, Danielle and Megan of Jacksonville, Fla.; mother and father-in-law, Phyllis and Allan Bezanson of Southborough; sister-in-law Kristina Villaire, and her children, Camden and Nathaniel of Virginia Beach; and her beloved dog, Maggie. Calling hours are Friday, April 11, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Morris Funeral Home (morrisfuneralparlor.com), 40 Main St., Southborough. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m., at Pilgrim Church, Common Street, Southborough. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244.

Published in MetroWest Daily News on April 6, 2008