Susan (Schwartz) Poriss

Susan Schwartz Poriss, 81, of Bloomfield, CT, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2023. She was the daughter of Hy Schwartz and Betty Goldshein Schwartz.Born in Brooklyn, NY, Mom had the best birthday-November 11, Veterans Day, and as a teacher always had the day off. When Susan was a toddler, the family moved to Darien, CT for several years. Eventually, the family moved to Bloomfield in 1950, when Mom was in 3rd grade. She graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1959, and then graduated from The University of Vermont in 3 years with a Bachelor’s in Education. After that, Susan student taught for two years in Bloomfield before being offered a fellowship to Columbia University in 1965. There she earned her Master’s in Education, as special education was not a separate degree then. She graduated in two years and then taught in Valhalla, NY and at PS 87 onW. 78th St.in NYC. In 1967, Susan met Ron Wolpoe and the two were soon married. Matthew came along in 1972, and Shana followed quickly in 1973. The family moved to Bloomfield at that point to be closer to both sets of grandparents. Susan worked in various settings with disabled children in the Hartford area. In 1975, Susan got her second Master’s degree in Special Education from St. Joseph College. After earning that degree, Susan taught preschool Special Education for 35 years, mostly in the Hartford Public School System, retiring in 2003. During retirement, she spent time with her family, friends and watching her 3 grandchildren grow up to be beautiful, sweet, loving people. Susan leaves behind her daughter, Shana Wolpoe and her long time partner Rick Brownof Bloomfield, CT, her son, Dr. Matthew Wolpoe and his wife Rhea Wolpoe of Bozeman, MT and their 3 children, Harrison, Greta and Jamieson. She adored them from the moment they were born. They love living in Montana, but Susan always wished they were closer. In addition, Susan leaves her brother, Paul Schwartz and his longtime partner, Jill McConnell. Paul was a wonderful brother and he and Susan had a close bond. He came long distances many times when when I needed help with Mom or even just to support me. Mom also leaves many cousins,lifelong friends and her granddog, Fenway. Susan was predeceased by her sister Nancy Rudman and her brother Howard Schwartz.I’d also like to thank the dedicated professional Hospice nurses and aides who made Susan’s last weeks comfortable, and especially her amazing caregiver Sophia who was gentle and kind and quickly became a member of the family. Sophia earned her Angel wings, in my eyes. A memorial service will be held for Susan at Weinstein Mortuary,640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105,on Thursday, July 6, at 1 pm. The family will hold a burial service in Stamford at a later date. Contributions in Susan’s memory can be made to either the Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens or Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford. Contributions: Contributions in Susan’s memory can be made to either the Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens or Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford.