Susan Grace "Sue" Triantafilles

Susan Grace "Sue" Triantafilles, age 50, passed away in her Walpole, Massachusetts home on Wednesday morning, November 22, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the loving daughter of Frank and Ruth B. (Conway) Gambardello. She was raised in Dorchester and as a member of Saint Mark's Parish, she attended St. Mark's Elementary School all the way through the eighth grade. As a young girl, Sue loved spending time at her Uncle Ray's farm and visiting with her grandparents in New Hampshire. At the age of thirteen, Sue was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, but that never kept her down. Always the "tomboy" she regularly played sports with her brother and friends from the neighborhood. Sue went on to attend Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School, where in 1985, she graduated at the top of her class. One of her favorite memories from her high school years was the Gambardello family trip to Italy, it was there that she fell in love with the Italian culture.

Shortly after graduation, Sue met her husband to be, John D. Triantafilles. They quickly started dating and fell in love. Sue began taking classes at Framingham State University while working as a store clerk at Walgreens Company as she and John continued their courtship. The two were married in April of 1989, holding a small wedding in Newton. Later that same year, the young couple welcomed their son, Demetrios "Jimmy," and though it was a complicated pregnancy, Sue remained hopeful and strong throughout. Sue continued working at Walgreens on the night shift to help raise money to purchase a home and move out of the city. During the day she was a dedicated Mom to Jimmy and loved helping her sister and friends with their babies. In 1995, Sue and John's dream of owning their own house came true. They purchased a home on West Street in Walpole, where they could raise their son. Sue loved taking an active role in Jimmy's life, serving as a Boy Scout Den Leader, a chaperone on school field trips and supporting him in both football and baseball.

Sue made many friends throughout her career working at various Walgreens, including locations in Dorchester, Attleboro, Norwood, Norfolk, and Sherborn. This close-knit group of work friends took yearly vacations to Cape Cod in the summer, a trip which Sue always looked forward to. However, her favorite place to vacation was Lincoln, New Hampshire, where she would spend time admiring nature or reading a good book.

Family meant absolutely everything to Sue, she was the rock of the family, always putting the needs of other before herself. She spent countless hours with her family at weekly family dinners or other holiday gatherings, often showcasing her famous Christmas Cookies. Sue was delighted when her family grew with the addition of Jimmy's wife, Betsy. They always had a wonderful mother daughter relationship from the first day Jimmy introduced Sue to Betsy. However, she was overjoyed when she found out in August of this year that she was going to be a grandmother.

Beloved wife of John D. Triantafilles. Loving mother of Demetrios J. "Jimmy" Triantafilles and his wife Betsy of Wrentham. Devoted daughter of Ruth B. (Conway) Gambardello and the late Frank Gambardello. Cherished sister of Virginia R. Gambardello of Jacksonville, FL, Paul R. Gambardello of Dorchester, James F. Gambardello of Dorchester, Jean M. Gambardello of Dorchester, and the late John J. Gambardello and his surviving wife, Jean M. of Dorchester. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Sue's Life Celebration on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mark's Church, 1725 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 11AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 60 Walnut Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.