For more than 100 years, gathering at the summer house on Beach Avenue has been a cherished ritual for the Freda-Vadala family, full of love and memories. This month, the family invites the community to join them in remembering Suzanne “Sue” Vadala, who passed away in October after living with multiple sclerosis for many years. August 15 would have been Sue’s 70th birthday. It is also the Feast of the Assumption, the Catholic holy day when the oceans are blessed.

Sue Vadala spent every summer in Hull since her birth in 1955. Her birthday was always a special family celebration at the “beach house.” After she was diagnosed with MS in her early 20s, the ocean became Sue’s healing place. She began every birthday with a visit to the water’s edge. There, she would dip her body, bless herself, and pray. When Sue was no longer able to walk, it became the family’s tradition to bring her to the ocean and pray alongside her. Sue could be seen every summer with her oversized sunglasses, the perfect beach hat, and a smile on her face. She lived a life full of faith, always thanking God for her blessings, especially her three children.

In 2014, Sue became a resident of The Boston Home, a community for adults with MS and other progressive neurological disorders.

“Sue taught our family the meaning of strength as she bravely faced her challenges with multiple sclerosis,” said her sister, Jeannie Shine.” The care and love that Sue received at The Boston Home enabled her to experience the quality of life and respect that she so deserved. The work they do is truly remarkable.”

Even after Sue moved to The Boston Home in Dorchester for full-time care, her family ensured that she could make her annual birthday trip to Hull, bringing her wheelchair to the water’s edge so that she could still feel the healing ocean.

In honor of Sue’s birthday, her family invites the community to take a moment to think of Sue and to enjoy the healing ocean: “Whether you dip, dunk, or swim, please think about Sue, wish her a happy heavenly birthday and say a prayer for someone in need. We also ask that you consider donating to The Boston Home in her memory.”

The Boston Home is a non-profit skilled nursing facility serving 96 residents who are full-time wheelchair users, as well as outpatients with similar neurological disorders. With on-site physical and occupational therapy, wheelchair enhancement center, assistive technology and adaptive arts and recreation programs, The Boston Home’s mission is to empower people with advanced neurological disorders to lead creative and purposeful lives. All donations to the “Dip for Sue” will directly support life-enhancing programs for The Boston Home’s residents and outpatients.

Sue’s family invites anyone who would like to join them in taking a “Dip for Sue” on August 15 or 16 to stop by the corner of Revere Street and Beach Avenue, where they will have table with photos and information. If taking a dip is not possible, the family suggests just saying a quiet prayer for someone in need.

“Sue is our angel now. Our children say that she is a green butterfly that flies free among us,” Shine said.

To learn more about The Boston Home or to make a donation in honor of Sue Vadala, visit thebostonhome.org.

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