Mrs. Susan G. McNinch

Susan Georgia McNinch, co-owner and operator of Eastover Resort from 1983-2000, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 2, surrounded by her loving family. With the birth of her first grandson, Susan became “Suesue,” not only to her grandchildren, but to everyone that knew her. At the drop of a hat, Suesue would lovingly prepare a dinner table full of comfort food for friends and family. Suesue’s kitchen table was the gathering spot for all–a forum for discussion and debate. No topic was off limits. Common themes included travel, politics and world history. When the plates were empty and wine bottles corked, her grandchildren could always anticipate the same sentiment, that she was so proud of her family. Suesue was born in Stamford, CT on May 17, 1943. She was the daughter of George and Ruth Bisacca and sister to Ticki Winsor. When she was 3, her father bought the Eastover Estate in Lenox and opened it as a recreational resort. Sue’s early years were spent parading through the center of town on horseback, in Eastover fashion, as the community celebrated the 4th of July. It is at Eastover that she met the love of her life, Bob McNinch. The two of them were inseparable for the next 56 years. Together, they raised three wonderful children, Paige, Rob, and John along with a crowd of dogs, cats, goats, horses, roosters, and a famous 600 pound pig, Henrietta. As a young adult, when she was not keeping the books at Eastover or serving as Lenox’s first female Selectman, Suesue could be found bringing the kids to hockey games and horse shows, playing at the “Eastover Tennis Club”, or scheming to play her next big prank. While serving as Selectman, she was passionate about preserving Lenox’s history while also eager to establish the foundation for future generations. Her work aided in the building of new schools, expansion of the water treatment plants, and ultimately helped to secure the town’s financial future. Suesue loved getting involved. She was an instrumental member of the Kennedy Park Committee, founding member of the Lenox Hound and Hunt Club, a board member of the Lee VNA, a Fresh Air Mom, and, along with Bob, actively involved in the Church on the Hill. She loved her Bridge and Book Clubs, had a green thumb, and a way with animals. Suesue was spunky, warm, stubborn, wise, and worldly. She was a charismatic entertainer with a love of performance. She knew a tune for everything, and broke into song and dance any time the opportunity presented itself. Susan and Ticki were sisters blessed to have children all close in age, and grandchildren who followed suit. Susan was a mother, grandmother, aunt and great aunt; but “Suesue” meant something special to everyone. Suesue is survived by her three children; Paige McNinch Waugh, Robert B. McNinch, and John J. McNinch and his wife Jackie; her sister Ticki Winsor; and 9 grandchildren including Rory McNinch, Emma Waugh, Alec Waugh, Tucker McNinch, Trey McNinch, Sam Waugh, Parker Waugh, Connor McNinch, and Kate McNinch; and many cousins, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bob on July 17, 2018. A Service of Remembrance will be celebrated Saturday, January 6th at 11 am at the Church on the Hill, her burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to The Kennedy Park Fund (Lenox Town Hall, attn: Kennedy Park Fund, 6 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 01240) or The Fresh Air Fund (freshair.org).

Mrs. Susan G. McNinch

May 17, 1943 - January 2, 2024