Suzanne Peterson Varimbi of Berwyn, Pa., passed away on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012.
Suzanne was the wife of the late Joseph Varimbi, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Bryn Mawr College. Suzanne was born Feb. 5, 1936, in Jamestown, N.Y., to Marien M. and Carl O. Peterson. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1954. After Suzanne graduated magna cum laude from Wilson College in 1958, she attended graduate school at Bryn Mawr College, where she received her Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1963. Suzanne taught at Rosemont College from 1966 until her recent retirement in 2011. Suzanne was a longtime member of All Saints Church in Wyn-newod, Pa.
Although Professor Varimbi is remembered by generations of students as an inspired and gifted teacher and mentor, she is remembered with particular fondness as Suzie, Sue, Mom, Dr. V or Grandma; a dedicated wife, sister, mother, friend and grandmother who inspired all whose lives she touched with her beautiful mind, her practical sensibility and, perhaps most of all, her integrity. Suzanne will be deeply missed by her family, friends and colleagues.
She is survived by three daughters: Carol, Martha (James) Ryan, Sara (Jeff) Hunt; four grandchildren: Samantha and Maxim Hunt, Conor and Aidan Ryan; three siblings: John Peterson, Nancy Meserole and Charlie Peterson.
Funeral services are private by the request of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Suzanne's honor to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester, Pa., 19380 (610-696-6511).