Suzanne M. (McTigue) Magaziner

Suzanne Marie McTigue Magaziner, of Bristol, passed away peacefully at her home on September 15th, aged 74, leaving behind a loving family, cherished friends, and a legacy of positive impact. 

She was the wife of Ira Magaziner, devoted mother of Seth, Jonathan and Sarah, grandmother of Ronan, Keiran, Maeve, Max and Lucy, and mother-in-law of Jennifer Doorly Magaziner and Julia McDowell. She is also survived by sisters Linda Bushee and Nancy Cornwall, and brother Jay McTigue. 

Born into a working-class family in Worcester, Massachusetts, she learned the value of hard work and compassion from her mother Alfreda, who survived bitter poverty during the Great Depression to build a life of opportunity for Suzanne and her siblings. Her father James fought in the battle of Iwo Jima in World War 2 and was a member of the steelworkers union at a factory in Worcester. Educated in Catholic schools throughout her childhood, Suzanne was the first in her family to go to college, attending Wellesley, where she was elected student body president and graduated Phi Beta Kappa, majoring in Political Science and French. 

Suzanne was one of the first women to be accepted to the JD/MBA program at Harvard. During her third year, she was nearly forced to withdraw due to insufficient funds to pay tuition. After writing a letter to every Harvard Board member, Suzanne received an offer from one to pay her tuition in full, if she agreed to pay the generosity forward to others in need. She took that charge seriously for the rest of her life. 

Following Harvard, Suzanne worked in management consulting in Boston where she met Ira. They settled in Rhode Island, married, and co-founded their own consulting company, Telesis, which grew to more than sixty employees with offices across four continents. She later worked in the White House for First Lady Hillary Clinton. A lifelong lover of American history, she went back to school at 50 to earn a Master’s degree from Brown, where she also taught undergraduates. 

Suzanne gave back to her community in countless ways, including as a Director on the Boards of Save the Bay, Roger Williams University, Georgetown Day School, the Blithewold Mansion, Nowell Leadership Academy, Sophia Academy, Notre Dame Academy, Bristol Community Playground, Sojourner House, and Trinity Reparatory Company, where as Chairwoman she led an $18 million capital campaign. 

She was the recipient of the Knollwood Alumnae Achievement Award from Notre Dame Academy, the Great Egret Environmental Award from Save Bristol Harbor, the Pell Award and Women in Philanthropy Award from Trinity Rep, the Women of Wisdom Award from Sophia Academy, and Outstanding Philanthropic Citizen of the Year by the RI Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2020,Suzanne had the honor of serving as Chief Marshall of the historic 4th of July celebration in her beloved Bristol. 

Suzanne loved to throw a party. She hosted elaborately themed birthday parties for her children, fundraisers for worthy causes, and a renowned annual “Girl Party” that grew to over 100 attendees, always keeping her guests entertained with humor and warmth. 

Through it all, Suzanne’s greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow. She diligently kept files with photographs and news clippings for each, lovingly supported them through their ups and downs, and inspired them with her deep generosity. 

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 19, 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

A live stream of Suzanne's funeral services beginning at 10 AM will be available to be viewed at: www.facebook.com/StMaryBristol

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Rhode Island Food Bank, ATTN: Development Department, 200 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI 02907I or online at: rifoodbank.org/donate/; or to: Alfreda McTigue Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Notre Dame Academy Development Office, 425 Salisbury St., Worcester MA 01609. 

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