Susan Leach, 84, of Bonita Springs, FL, and formerly of Jaffrey, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 13, 2026, in Naples, FL, following a brief and unexpected illness.

Susan was born on May 22, 1942, in Wellesley, MA, the daughter of Herbert Ellison and Vivian Bean Ellison. Raised in Wellesley and a graduate of Wellesley High School, she spent her summers in Jaffrey — a place that would become the true home of her heart — among cousins and lifelong friends she cherished until her final days. From an early age, Susan possessed a natural compassion for others, a zest and fearlessness for life pursuits and an abiding affection for community, qualities that would shape her life's purpose and define her enduring legacy.

Susan went on to earn her degree from Salem College and devoted herself wholeheartedly to a career in education. She later received her master's degree as a reading specialist from the University of New Hampshire, deepening her commitment to ensuring every child could access the transformative power of learning. Her gifts as an educator, her steady leadership, and her unwavering belief in the potential of every young person led her to serve as Principal of the Marlborough School, a role she approached not as a title, but as a privilege. Susan considered it among the greatest honors of her life to guide and mentor young minds, and she took immeasurable pride in the generations she helped shape.

It was during those beloved summers in Jaffrey that Susan fell in love with Allen Leach, the man who would be her devoted husband for 61 years. Together, they built a rich and full life attending graduate school at UNH, starting their family in Swanzey, NH, and ultimately returning to their shared roots in Jaffrey in 1981, where they would put down the deepest roots of all.

Beyond her extraordinary professional contributions, Susan was a pillar of her community in every sense of the word. She believed profoundly in the power of service and gave generously of her time, energy, and talents to the Monadnock Region for decades. She served as President of the Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of Shelter from the Storm. Perhaps most notably, she was the founder and President Emeritus of the Community Center of Jaffrey, a decades-long labor of love that included the extraordinary achievement of negotiating the gifting of the land that is now Community Field, a lasting gift to the community she so deeply loved. Susan was also a familiar, warm presence at the Jaffrey Swap Shop, drove for CVTC, and served as a CASA volunteer, lending her voice and fierce advocacy on behalf of children who needed it most.

Her extraordinary dedication to public life earned her well-deserved recognition. In 2013, Susan was named Jaffrey's Citizen of the Year, an honor that reflected not just her accomplishments, but the spirit and gusto with which she pursued them. Her impact reached far beyond Jaffrey's borders: President Bill Clinton personally recognized her contributions with a letter of appreciation, naming her a nationally honored Volunteer of the Year. It was a tribute befitting someone who gave so much to so many.

Susan embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She found deep satisfaction in her garden, where she cultivated beautiful flowers with patience and care. She loved jogging, later walking with her dogs, was a competitive force on the tennis court and a clever card player with all “the girls”. But above all, Susan's greatest happiness was her family. She was a devoted and deeply loving wife, mother, and friend. Her love for Allen and for her daughters, Samantha and Cassandra and her grandsons, Brady and Cooper, was boundless, unwavering, and utterly unconditional.

Susan will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her tireless service, her extraordinary dedication to children, and her remarkable ability to make every person in her presence feel valued, seen, and welcome. Her legacy lives on in the lives of countless students she inspired, the community she helped strengthen and sustain, and the family she loved with her whole self.

She was predeceased by her parents and brothers David Ellison, Winston Salem, NC and James Ellison, Ridgewood, NJ.

Susan is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Allen Leach of Bonita Springs, FL; her daughters, Cassandra Leach of Jaffrey, NH, and Samantha Leach Deschenes of Mooresville, NC; her grandchildren, Brady Deschenes and Cooper Deschenes; and her loving and devoted nieces and nephews.

“Remember to do something nice for someone else and make a difference.” Those who know, know.

Services are being planned and will be held August 1st at 11 a.m. at The United Church in Jaffrey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in Susan's name to Community Center of Jaffrey, in honor of her lifelong love of her community. Mail to Treasurer Community Center of Jaffrey 14 Colton Drive, Jaffrey, NH 03452.