Susan Linda Barnes-Brown, 74

Susan Linda Barnes-Brown (née Barnes) of Needham died March 16, 2025, of complications due to cirrhosis. Born in 1951, her first post-college career was as a lounge singer and hostess in several Providence bars; she carried that fondness for singing and music throughout her life. When she later chose to become a homemaker, she developed a love of teaching and found purpose being a consultant for families entering the then-burgeoning homeschooling movement.

Susan moved to Acton in 1983 with her husband and young daughter and lived there for 16 years. She was a staunch feminist, advocated for reproductive rights all her life, and supported civil justice for all. As a mother of extremely premature twins, she fought for neonatal intensive care unit practices that are common today; as a wife, she supported her husband when he strove to co-found his groundbreaking business law firm in the early ’90s; as the eldest of seven children, she enjoyed hosting family get-togethers in all seasons.

She was predeceased by her only son David in 2009; her brother Tim Barnes in 2014; and her beloved husband of 50 years Peter Barnes-Brown (né Brown) in 2020 from laryngeal cancer. She is survived by her daughters Diana Barnes-Brown of Portland, Oregon, and Julia Barnes-Brown, David’s twin, of Needham; by her sisters and brothers Maribeth Barnes of Taunton, Michaela Gordon of Lexington, Wenda B. Elias of Providence, Rhode Island,  and Chris Barnes and Jeff Barnes, both of Rumford, Rhode Island; and by six nieces and nephews, two grandnephews, and a grandniece.

A celebration of Susan’s life as well as Peter’s will be held Saturday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.