SUSAN BAFFONI DERENSIS, 65, passed away January 5 with her family by her side after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. Susan was the beloved mother of Thomas and Zachary DeRensis and the daughter of the late Arthur and Paulette (Cormier) Baffoni. Susan is survived by her sister Sharon (Baffoni) O’Connell and her husband Bill, niece Sarah O’Connell, nephew AJ O’Connell, many other cherished family members, and a large network of wonderful friends.
A life-long resident of Rhode Island, Susan grew up in Johnston. She was an excellent student athlete and was inducted into the Johnston High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015 in recognition of her performance on the basketball court. She was also chosen as a High School All-American after her senior year for her athletic performance, sportsmanship, and extra-curricular activities. In college, she played Division 1 basketball and softball at the University of Rhode Island. Whatever sport she played or endeavor she embarked on, she used an incredible work ethic and passion to succeed to become the best she could be.
After college, Susan enjoyed a successful career as a computer programmer. Most recently, she worked at FM Global, where she retired as a senior application developer analyst after 11 years. She also worked with great pride with many family members at Baffoni’s Poultry Farm in Johnston, which was established by her grandfather in 1935. The farm was a special place to Susan that she held dear to her heart.
Susan lived at Dean Pines in Smithfield, where she contributed countless hours as the association’s treasurer. Her pastimes over the years included running, walking, playing tennis, and gardening. She loved staying active and being outdoors. Susan was also an avid Suduko solver and devoted fan of the New England Patriots. She never missed a game. Susan had a quick sense of humor that shined through even when she was struggling and not feeling well, a remarkable trait that put everyone around her at ease.
Susan’s family would like to thank the many dedicated nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals at Rhode Island Hospital, the Lifespan Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital for their remarkable care, as well as all the blood and bone marrow donors who gave of themselves to help her.
Her funeral service will be held on Friday, January 13th at 11am in the Shepherd of the Valley Church, 604 Seven Mile Road, Scituate. www.sovumc.org Shepherd of the Valley Church Her burial will be private. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 12th from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), www.lls.org. Leukemia & Lymphona Society