Susan Bormolini

Susan Claire Johnson Bormolini, 85, of Wallingford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after two years of health challenges, surrounded by the care and love of her family. She was born on April 2, 1940, in Waterbury, Connecticut, grew up in nearby Naugatuck, and also called New York, Vermont, and California home throughout her life.

Susan was known above all for her kindness, generosity, and deep commitment to caring for others. A lifelong registered nurse (R.N.), she devoted her professional life to healthcare and education, touching countless lives through her work, leadership, and mentorship.

She began her nursing career at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City, followed by positions at Massapequa Nursing Home in Massapequa, New York, and Fieldston Lodge Nursing Home in Riverdale, New York. She later returned to her beloved Naugatuck, where she taught nursing and became Assistant Director of the School of Nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut.

She then moved to Vermont, where she served in hospital administration at Rutland Regional Medical Center and Middlebury Hospital. After returning to Connecticut, her final leadership role before retirement was at Middlebury Convalescent Home in Middlebury, where she continued her lifelong mission of advocating for compassionate, high-quality care.

Susan earned her B.S. in Nursing from Wagner College and later received a master’s degree from Fairfield University, with a focus on education and leadership. She took great pride in being a nurse and believed deeply in honoring the sacrifices of those who care for others. Beyond her formal roles, she was a trusted mentor to nursing students and young healthcare professionals, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.

She had a remarkable gift for connection. Susan made friends everywhere she went, even while standing in line or chatting with someone at the next table in a restaurant. She was a patient and attentive listener who made people feel seen, heard, and valued. Friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members remember her as someone they could always count on.

Susan also found joy in creating beauty and comfort. She loved baking (especially cookies, which she always had ready to share), painting, drawing, crafts, and creating a warm and welcoming home. Her humor, storytelling, and meticulousness were part of her everyday grace.

Faith was an important part of Susan’s life. A devoted Lutheran, she served her churches as a Parish Nurse and lived her faith through acts of compassion and service. In her later years, she was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven.

Even in her later years, Susan’s leadership and commitment to community remained strong. Just months after moving back to Connecticut in 2022, she was elected President of the Resident Council at Ashlar Village, Masonicare. Her ability to thoughtfully bridge understanding between residents and administration earned her the Connecticut Assisted Living Association’s Outstanding Resident Accomplishment Award, a recognition that once again reflected her lifelong dedication to advocacy, empathy, and service.

She was married for nearly fifty years to her beloved husband, William A. Bormolini, who preceded her in death in 2017. Susan is survived by her daughter, Heidi Christine Lorenzen; her brother, Eric Johnson (Priscilla); her stepchildren Stephen Bormolini (Diane), Deborah Newsome (Curt), and Joan Christian (Scott); her grandchildren Amanda Wu, Maximilian Wu, Danelle Newsome, and Sarah Bormolini; and her great-granddaughter Jocelyn Dumaine. She is also survived by her cousin Lenore Rossi (Raymond), other extended family members, numerous dear friends, former colleagues, fellow parishioners, and countless nurses and students whose lives she shaped.

Even as her health declined, Susan continued to show kindness and gratitude to those who cared for her, bringing warmth and humor even in difficult moments. She received hospice care in her final days in Wallingford, Connecticut.

A memorial service and celebration of Susan’s life will be held Thursday April 9th, 2026 (a week after what would have been her birthday) at 11am at Hartog Auditorium at Ashlar Village (Masonicare), 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. (Directions: after coming in the main entrance at 74 Cheshire Rd, go to the second stop sign, take a left, then quick right into Parking Lot 3. The building is called Bridgehouse, and the Auditorium is inside.) A light lunch will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Connecticut Nurses Honor Guard or to an organization of one’s choice.

The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care. To leave online condolences for her family, please visit www.fordfh.com.