Suzanne Danene Giles Lafferty

Suzanne D. Giles Lafferty, 67, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home Monday, July 14, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family, a room full of flowers, her favorite songs and framed memories.

Suzanne is survived by Tom Tarnowski, her loving life partner; Caitlin Lafferty, daughter; Kelle and Bryan Tarnowski, children of life partner; Virginia Jane Giles, mother; Chris and Kelly Giles, brother and sister-in-law. Her father, Jack D. Giles, preceded her in death.

Suzanne Danene Giles was born on Sept. 22, 1957, in Fairmont, West Virginia. The majority of her childhood was spent in Elkins, WV and adulthood in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Suzanne attended Elkins High School and graduated with her elementary education degree at Fairmont State College. Suzanne spent her lifetime caring for and helping others.

Devoting 36 years in the classroom, teaching in West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. Suzanne made learning fun with her creativity and compassion, and fostered a love for reading and play. She was respected and admired by colleagues, and awarded National Board Certification and Teacher of the Year twice.

Suzanne loved art, reading, knitting blankets for others, drawing, music, laughing, dancing, hiking and camping. Each of these were even more special with her loving life partner, Tom, by her side. Suzanne and Tom found joy in creating a welcoming home where they hosted many gatherings of family and friends. She greeted any stranger wearing WVU with “Let’s go Mountaineers!” Through all of Suzanne’s many accomplishments and successes, nothing could ever match her immense pride and love for her daughter, Caitlin.

A celebration of Suzanne’s wonderful life will be held on her birthday weekend at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest, North Carolina, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.