Susan E. Beer

Susan E. (Chaloux) Beer, 80, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, advocate, and lifelong learner, passed away on May 29, 2026, at Care One at Northampton. She was born on January 8, 1946, in Somerville, Massachusetts, and raised in Walpole, New Hampshire. Susan earned her Bachelor's degree in Education before marrying her beloved husband, Roger Beer, in 1968. Together, they moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and Susan began her professional career first as a high school teacher in the Boston area. The couple later settled in Natick, Massachusetts, where they lived for 35 years and raised their son, Thomas. In 2010, Susan and Roger relocated to South Hadley, Massachusetts, becoming part of that community until her passing.

Susan’s professional journey reflected her passion for consumer rights and public service. She was a hard worker throughout her life, starting as a young woman when she worked to put herself through college and buy her first car. Later, after the birth of her son, she completed her Master’s degree and began volunteering in consumer protection. She co-founded the nonprofit Metrowest Consumer Protection Office in Natick and subsequently worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. In the early 2000s, Susan took on the role of Executive Director for the Massachusetts College of Emergency Physicians, a position she held with great dedication and pride for ten years. This role was one she found deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Her commitment to learning extended well beyond her career. After retirement, Susan remained active and intellectually engaged as a member of the Five Colleges' Learning In Retirement (LIR) community. She also volunteered with the Department of Children and Family Services, serving on case reviews to support foster children, and served on committees for LIR and the Loomis Retirement Community.

Outside of her professional and volunteer endeavors, Susan was a woman of vibrant interests. She loved to travel both nationally and internationally with her family. Her journeys included riding a mule through the Grand Canyon, taking a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque, and white-water rafting on three major rivers. A voracious reader and lover of museums, national parks, and camping, Susan found joy and inspiration in the natural world and cultural experiences.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Etienne W. and Barbara C. (Samuelson) Chaloux. She is survived by her devoted husband, Roger Beer of South Hadley; her son Tom, daughter-in-law Cam, and beloved granddaughter Milly of New Hampshire; her brothers Stanley, Leonard, Frederick, and her sister Leslie Chaloux; and her half-sister Rose Chaloux (Sister Maria Goretti).

All services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Joslin Diabetes Center, https://joslin.org