Charlotte "Sue" Gignilliat Hazard

of Saunderstown, RI and Boston, MA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 1, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Sue's vibrant spirit and zest for life touched everyone she knew.

Sue’s childhood was spent by the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee in Northern Indiana, where she romped around Culver Military Academy, wishing she could attend the all-boys school led by her grandfather. She left Indiana for high school back in Illinois, attending Oak Park and River Forest High School. She graduated from Smith College and soon after embarked on a memorable trip to Europe, where she met the love of her life, C. Michael Hazard. They married in 1958, sharing an extraordinary and devoted partnership for 67 years. They initially lived in Boston, where Sue worked for IBM, and soon thereafter they moved to Wayland, MA, which became their home for 25 years as they raised their four children. With a parenting philosophy of “Roots and Wings”, together they created a family steeped in warmth, adventure, and laughter.

Known for her other credo, "To rest is to rust," Sue was always in motion, embracing every day with energy and enthusiasm. She would be the first to flip off a diving board in an evening gown, show up unannounced in Halloween costumes at her grandchildren’s schools, and sing Édith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” while draping herself over the piano. An accomplished golfer and tennis player, she brought her competitive spirit to every match. Sue was also deeply passionate about art, both as a talented participant in art shows and as a creator and entrepreneur, founding and building a fashion business, The Hannah Robinson Collection, as her children headed off to college. This same drive continued unabated following Sue’s devastating stroke in 2014, after which she focused her energy on recovery and once again defied the odds, setting an example for living life fully and never giving up. She was an inspiration in every way.

When it came to community, Sue was a force. Her philanthropic efforts stretched wide and affected many, especially the middle school girls at Mother Caroline Academy in Dorchester, MA, where her generous heart, dedicated advocacy and tireless fundraising efforts positively impacted countless lives. She also cherished building community through cooking, often delighting in making pancakes with her grandchildren, creating memories filled with love and laughter.

An avid world traveler, Sue’s generous spirit brought her on trips to Haiti and Rwanda, and she and Mike explored the globe together with curiosity and openness, bringing back stories, experiences, and new friends from their many trips, including playing tennis with locals in over 30 countries.

Sue, or “Zoo” as she came to be known with the arrival of her grandchildren, is survived by her devoted husband, Mike; their children Katharine Hazard Flynn (Larry Flynn), Martha Hazard English (Chris English), Julie Hazard Yandow (Willie Yandow), and Chip Hazard (Donna Keene Hazard); thirteen cherished grandchildren, Michael English (Angelica), Katy English Hackett (Alex), Curtis Yandow (Emily), Hannah Flynn Bogdan (Will), Maggie English, Stephanie Yandow, Whitney Hazard, Charlotte Flynn Smythe (Thomas), Michael Hazard, Trevor Yandow, Izzy Hazard, Nick Hazard, and Dennis Yandow; three adored great-grandchildren, Natalie English, Lily Yandow, and Flynn Bogdan; her brother, Paul Gignilliat and his family; and is predeceased by her brother Leigh Gignilliat.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Sue’s magnificent caregivers, especially Paula, Josie and Barbara, for the joy, compassion, comfort and dignity they brought Sue and the rest of us every day. They are angels in our midst.

Sue’s legacy is one of fierce loyalty, joyful generosity, and tireless commitment to her family and the causes she held dear. She will be remembered and loved for her sharp wit, radiant smile, unrelenting drive, and the warmth and energy she brought into every room.

A celebration of her life will be held later in the summer in Narragansett, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center, 515 Blue Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02121.