Susan A. Flake Worked Tirelessly with Children

Susan A. Flake, 90, of Chestnut Hill died Dec. 22 after a brief illness. A lifelong Bostonian and long time resident of Martha's Vineyard, Susan Flake approached life with enthusiasm, athleticism, an intense commitment to community service and a youthful spirit. She was, in fact, playing both tennis and golf within two weeks of her death.

Born in Boston in December, 1914, she was the last of six children of George and Susan Binney. Both of her parents died in her early teens and her maternal grandfather, Dr. William Appleton, cared for the siblings. They lived at 74 Beacon street across from the Public Garden and summered in Nahant where they were active in swimming, sailing, fishing, golf and tennis.

Susan Flake graduated from Winsor School in 1932, trained at Smith College and Radcliffe and graduated from the Children's Hospital School of Nursing in 1938. She worked as a registered nurse at Children's Hospital from 1938 to 1952 and it was there that she met her husband, Dr. Caryle G. Flake, a noted ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. They were married for 45 years until Dr. Flake's death in 1983. They raised three children, Marshall, Andrew and Bobbi, living first in the converted carriage behind 74 Beacon street and then for years in Chestnut Hill.

Her love of adventure often took her to the edge. An article in the Boston Globe in 1936 recounted how Susan Binney (Flake) and two other nursing friends were rescued in the frigid waters off Nahant after capsizing their 12-foot catboat. This was indeed her second boating incident, with the first occurring near the Roosevelt summer house and observed by Franklin Roosevelt Jr. who called the Coast Guard for assistance.

Jean Hamshaw, her roommate and great friend at Smith recalls, "Sue was a natural teacher. She taught me how to knit, ride a horse, sail a boat, fish and drive a car. The last of these activities brought out Sue's real daring and courage. I remember driving through Sumner Tunnel in Boston when I could barely steer a car let alone shift gears."

In 1952 Susan Flake began training at Children's Hospital to teach children with learning disabilities, especially dyslexia, while continuing to volunteer her services during the polio epidemic. She was dedicated to the Chestnut Hill School where she served as a parent, teacher, tutor and worked tirelessly with dyslexic children. Moreover, she at one time was the school nurse and even the acting Head of School.

At Susan Flake's retirement in 1997, Sue Bryant from the school commented, "Sue Flake is truly a legend at Chestnut Hill School (CHS). She is respected and admired for her energy and spirit. She came to school each day for the past 40 years, ready and eager to take on the challenges of helping children. But Sue's energy and "joie de vivre" are not limited to school. Rarely does a week go by when she isn't engaged in a spirited game of tennis or golf." Recently, Wendy Borosavage, director of admissions at CHS commented, "She was a role model of academic excellence. She was a wonderful educator and an elegant lady. For Sue Flake, what mattered most is the well-being of every child and the continuing vitality of the school."

As a tribute to her many years of service, the family and school have established the Susan A. Flake Memorial Scholarship Fund for the purpose of contributing to the costs of learning assessments and evaluations for children of families receiving financial aid at the Chestnut Hill School. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to this fund that can be directed to the Chestnut Hill School, 428 Hammond street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

Susan is survived by children, Marshall, Andrew and Bobbi (Reed) and five grandchildren, Carlyn and Morgan Flake and Emily, Isobel and Alexandra Flake. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Redeemer at Chestnut Hill at 11:00 a.m. on March 5.