For more than 100 years, gathering at the summerhouse on Beach Avenue has been a cherished ritual for the Freda-Vadala family, full of love and memories. On August 15, the family invites the community to join them in remembering Suzanne “Sue” Vadala, who passed away in October 2024 after living with multiple sclerosis for many years. August 15 would

have been Sue’s 71st birthday.

Sue Vadala spent every summer in Hull since her birth in 1955. Her birthday was always a

special family celebration at the “Beach House.” Hull’s iconic penny Candy store was one of Sue’s favorite places as a child and she loved sharing it with her own children until it closed its doors in the mid 1980s.

The Freda-Vadala family invites the community to stop by their one-day-only penny candy stand at their home on the corner of Revere Street and Beach Avenue to enjoy a few classic beach “sweets” in memory of Sue.

“Sue loved filling her small brown bag with candy and standing with eyes of wonder as the cashier emptied the bag and counted it for the final tally,” recalls Sue’s sister, Jeanne Shine. “If you know, you know!”

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,” her sister said. “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 hopes the community will take a moment to enjoy a sweet treat, to share precious memories of childhood summers in Hull, and to learn about Sue and The Boston Home.

“If our little candy stand can help one family who needs support the way that we did when Sue’s multiple sclerosis was progressing, that would mean the world to me!” Jeannie said.

Sue’s family invites anyone who would like to join them in remembering a “Our Sweet Sue” on August 15 at the corner of Revere Street and Beach Avenue. Donations are not required to enjoy the penny candy, but will be gratefully accepted in support of life-enhancing programs for The Boston Home’s residents and outpatients.

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.

For more information or to make a gift in memory of Sue, visit thebostonhome.org.

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