Susan H. Rockford
Susan H. Rockford, an attorney and active member of the East End arts community, died of complications of ovarian cancer at Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, Fla., on July 15. She was 66.
After retiring as an attorney for the City of New York in 2003, Ms. Rockford moved to Shelter Island, where she rediscovered and nourished her lifelong passion for the arts. Originally a photographer, she turned to abstract painting, creating a series of tactile, multi-textured pieces on canvas and linen.
Ms. Rockford participated in group exhibitions at Ashawagh Hall in Springs, the Walk Tall Gallery in Sag Harbor, and the Crazy Monkey Gallery in Amagansett, among others. She won honorable mention at the Guild Hall members’ show in 2005 and was a member of the Artists Alliance of East Hampton. She also submitted annually to the East End Hospice box art auction in appreciation of the care the hospice had given her father.
According to her daughter, Jennifer Rockford, she was a longtime member of Channing Daughters Winery’s wine club and could often be found at tastings and events there. She also enjoyed evenings at home with friends, “a bottle or two of Channing Daughters, and plenty of almonds to make the evening complete.” Ms. Rockford and her daughter shared an obsession with “The Real Housewives” television series.
She was born in New York City on April 22, 1948, to Charles Haberstroh and the former Frances Conraddy, and grew up in Queens Village. She was educated at Le Moyne College, Rutgers Law School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She practiced law from 1979 to 2003, during which time she lived in Greenwich Village. She lived on Shelter Island from 2003 to 2007 and in Sag Harbor from 2007 until 2010, when she moved to Florida.
In addition to her daughter, who lives in East Hampton, she is survived by two brothers, Charles J. Haberstroh Jr. of Philadelphia and Richard Haberstroh of Oakdale, and five nieces and nephews.
Her ashes will be dispersed at a small memorial celebration for her close friends. The family has suggested donations in her memory to the East Hampton Arts Council. Checks made out to Town of East Hampton, EHAC, can be sent to Councilwoman Sylvia Overby, 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton 11937.