I first met Sue as an intern/clinician at Phoenix House, she was my direct supervisor. After Phoenix house I followed her to Carlson Recovery Center and took on the role of clinical supervisor. We worked together for a little over 5 years, though I have known her for 10 years.

When I met Sue, I didn’t know much about substance use but with her guidance and support that quickly changed. Sue was much more than a program director or a supervisor. Sue was a mentor and a friend. Sue was both eager to teach and eager to learn from those she mentored. She was such an inspiration and lead by example. Sue showed up every day, rain, sleet, or snow, despite the challenges she faced. I always admired her determination, strength, dedication, and perseverance to keep going, giving and caring. 

Sue treated every person that crossed her path with dignity and taught others to do the same. We shared so many laughs (I’ll miss her quick wit and humor), and sometimes even tears, all memories that I will cherish forever. Sue believed in me even when I doubted myself. She always let me know how proud she was, and encouraged me to keep learning, improving, and growing. The truth is, I think I was prouder of her.

Sue received a lifetime achievement award last year with WMSAPA, I am so grateful that I was invited to attend. They outlined her professional path and I beamed with pride as I thought of how lucky I was to have been taken under her wing. I only hope that I can live up to the leader that she was and pass on all the knowledge that I gained from her to others. I am honored that I got to be a piece of her professional legacy.

Submitted by Ryan Vega, MS, MSW, LICSW, Program Director, Holyoke Opioid Treatment Program

Oh Sue! Where do I begin... Getting a new Program Director can feel somewhat uncanny and intimidating, but not when it came to Sue O'Connor. From the moment I met Sue at Carlson Recovery Center, I was greeted with the most gracious and infectious smile. And that is when Sue introduced herself as the new Program Director of CRC. With her radiant smile and soft voice, I then began to feel at ease. It felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

During my time working with Sue, I did not feel as though she were my superior. Sue and I developed a lovely friendship. She became a trusted friend, mentor, and confidant. She encouraged and believed in me in many ways. Her opinion always mattered to me.

Words cannot describe what she meant to me. I had the opportunity of working with Sue for five years up until the day she retired, which was hard on us both, but we surely kept in touch. She was a wonderful human in every way, shape, and form. Her love, care, and compassion to and for others was always radiant. I am grateful to have known such an astonishing woman who has left her mark in this world. Susan O'Connor will truly be missed.

Submitted by Tirra Borbua, Carlson Recovery Center

View Susan's Obituary

Thank you to Sue's family for inviting donations to be made to BHN's Carlson Recovery Center and thank you to all who have made donations in Sue's memory. We are grateful for your support to carry on Sue's legacy.