Assistant Town Clerk, devoted to her family
LYNNFIELD — Susan Maria (Bruni) Lagorio, 69, passed on peacefully on Aug. 13, 2025. Susan lived her life to the fullest and loved being a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. She leaves behind a great legacy of warmth, adventure, humor, strength and thoughtfulness.
Susan was born in Chelsea on May 8, 1956 to Louis Bruni Jr. of Everett and Lillian (Bodnaruk) Bruni of Chelsea. She was the youngest of four children, including Thomas Bruni of Roslindale; Stephan Bruni of Gray, Maine; and Michael Bruni of Lynn (predeceased). Susan attended the Immaculate Conception School in Revere, graduated from Revere High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Susan enjoyed a successful 20-year career with the town of Lynnfield, starting at the Council on Aging, where her mother would often accompany her for lunches and trips. More recently, she worked in the Town Clerk’s Office, where she had the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces. Susan also earned her CNA certificate and served as a Home Health Aide. All of these roles allowed Susan to share her empathy, generosity and hospitality with others.
In her spare time, Susan loved to travel, bring people together and create memories with her family. An avid hiker, Susan and her children, Maria and Peter, spent three days trekking through Rocky Mountain National Park in 2016. She also fondly remembered trips to Ireland, Ukraine, the Netherlands, London and Quebec. Family members have referred to Susan as the “glue” as she often planned extended family reunions to honor their elders, the departed and their faith. Susan also enjoyed an active social life, accompanying her friends and family on excursions to farms, museums, restaurants, movies, Maine and Boston. Holidays were always magical with Susan there, as she never failed to think of little ways to make everyone feel more special.
She is survived by her daughter Maria, her son-in-law Clayton and their children Ethan, Mia and Lucas Gritz of Topsfield; her son Peter and daughter-in-law Melissa (Luoma) Lagorio of Weymouth; her son Gregory Lagorio of Amesbury; as well as her adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Susan’s greatest role in this life was that of a mother and grandmother. Susan cherished her years as an active stay-at-home mom in Lynnfield. She frequently volunteered at several local schools and clubs, arranged memorable playdates and parties and encouraged her children to develop their whole selves. Her grandchildren will lovingly remember their “Baba’s” abundant imagination, shared moments of laughter, surprise treats and many visits together.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park St., Topsfield at 11 a.m. Please meet directly at church for her Funeral Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make-a-Wish by visiting www.wish.org. To send online condolences, visit vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.