Lane Funeral Home Obituary

Guild, Susan C. died peacefully on January 7, 2024 with family by her side.

Born in Binghamton, NY to George and Laura Coughlin and older brother Gordon, Susan grew up

surrounded by her cousins and loved nothing more than being connected to family. Susan never met a

stranger. She was truly interested in other people's stories and getting to know them at a deeper level. She had an uncanny ability to remember what she heard and could recognize people she knew but hadn't seen in 20 years. 

Susan was a pioneer throughout her life. Prior to attending college, she spent a post graduate year at Miss Hall's. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in business and started her career on Madison Avenue in NY working on advertising campaigns such as Dove. When she moved to Boston, she became the first woman to sell hotel meeting space for the Sheraton Boston. She beat out a man for the position, which was unheard of at the time. It was during a sales call to an association management company that she met her husband, Dick. Her gift of connecting to people continued to shine through during the 14 years she sold office supplies and furniture at Union Office. Susan was the top salesman for much of her tenure.

She incorporated ergonomics before most people really understood what ergonomics was.

In 1995, Susan founded Wake Up Your Magic and started a new chapter as an author and mentor. She

flourished as a Toastmaster and graduated from Salve Regina's Intensive Expressive Arts Course. Through coaching, creativity, and deep care for others, she uplifted clients searching for passion, purpose, and direction in life. This was more than a profession - it was how she interacted with those around her. Her book "Your Cells and the Mighty Crayon" illustrated the power of creativity. Her last book "Facilitator's Guide" was finished weeks prior to her death. 

Fiercely independent, Susan lived life to the fullest. She considered herself timeless and most of her friends were many decades younger than she. She was active on Instagram and Facebook and befriended teenagers who helped her create videos to spread her message. Many refer to her as the magic lady and know that Susan will continue to spread magic from above. She loved to smile, laugh and be playful.

Family was of utmost importance to Susan. She was a loving mother who was always present and

supportive to her children and their friends. 

Susan was a resident of Winchester, Massachusetts for more than 55 years and spent several months a

year in Savannah, Georgia. At both homes, she often could be seen out front talking with neighbors and

tourists. 

Susan is survived by her daughters, Laura Guild and Linda Guild and son-in-law Rob Sommerfeldt as well as her nephews, niece, and many cousins. She was predeceased by her father, George G. Coughlin,

mother Laura Coughlin, brother, G. Gordon Coughlin, Jr. and husband Richard S. Guild. 

A celebration of Susan's life will be held on March 2, 2024 at 1:30 PM at the Church of the Epiphany,70

Church Street, Winchester, MA. A reception will follow. This will be a true celebration and those who attend are invited to wear bright colors.

Donations can be made to the Church of the Epiphany, 70 Church Street, Winchester, MA 01890. Please

put in memory of Susan Guild in the memo line.