Mary Susan DeLaura, 73, of Arlington, MA, was the longest-serving teacher in the Boston Public School system when she died on October 14.  A teacher in the Crossroads program at TechBoston Academy, she was in her classroom two weeks before her death.

Mary Susan was born in Erie, PA to Nick and Lena (Ferretti) DeLaura. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 1972 and moved to the Boston area shortly after. She earned Master’s degrees in Education from Boston University and in English from Boston College. In 1974 she began a 50-year career teaching special education students in Boston Public Schools, including the Woodrow Wilson Middle School, where she helped pioneer the Lab Cluster, before moving to TechBoston Academy (TBA).

She was steadfast in her belief in her students and was determined that they acquired the skills, knowledge and confidence they needed to navigate difficult circumstances and to thrive in the larger world. She mentored colleagues, tutored in reading, taught art classes, and baked cupcakes for every student’s birthday, in addition to her core responsibilities. With the high standards she set for her students and herself, her intelligence, creativity and graceful kindness, she embodied the best of public education. Pat Cleary, TBA Head of School, said, “For Mary Susan, it wasn’t a job. It was a mission.”

Mary Susan doted on her nieces, Isabel and Rosalind, who loved and admired her for her tenacity, wit, creativity, and generosity. She shared that same kindness with many cousins and with her friends’ children.  A talented cook, reader extraordinaire, and excellent knitter, Mary Susan would delight her nieces (and those lucky enough) with surprise books, cakes or knitted clothing.  She had a talent for friendship and a gift for knowing the right thing to say in the cards she sent for occasions celebratory and sorrowful. 

Mary Susan was predeceased by her parents and her older brother David. She is survived by her brother Richard, sister-in-law Marcia Hannon, her two nieces and numerous cousins in Erie Pa. 

Visiting hours will be on Sunday October 27, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at the Mann and Rogers Funeral Home on 44 Perkins St. Jamaica Plain.  Friends and family are invited. (www.mannandrodgers.com/).  This will be an informal gathering to celebrate her life. A memorial service will be held in early spring.

 Those who wish to honor Mary Susan are encouraged to consider a donation to TechBoston Academy or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via dana-farber.org/gift.

In memory of Mary Susan DeLaura to support cancer research and patient care

TechBoston Academy, 9 Peacevale Rd, Boston, MA 02124

Contributions can be directed to either the Mary Susan DeLaura Book Scholarship or the Craft Club www.craftclub.org. Mary Susan was a founding member of the Craft Club.