Susanne Russell Holmes passed away on the afternoon of March 27 at Riverside at Chase Point in Damariscotta, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease with her family by her side.
Born on Oct. 26, 1937, Susanne was the daughter of Lester Wheeler Russell and Wintie Chadwick Russell, and lived almost her entire life in New Harbor. She married the love of her life, Merrill Wendell Holmes, and together they had 48 happy years of marriage until his death in 2003.
Susanne devoted her life to raising her four children, and immensely enjoyed her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She valued her family and friends, remaining close to her “forever friends” from grade school. She loved reading, writing, music, genealogy, history, and playing Scrabble. She and Merrill took great pleasure in their winters together in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Susanne worked at the Bristol Area Library, and retired after almost 20 years as librarian. She served on the Board of Trustees of the following organizations: the Bristol Area Library, the Harrington Meeting House, and the Fort House at Colonial Pemaquid.
Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Hollis.
She leaves her children and their families, Andrea L. Powell, husband Nathan, and their sons Luke and Jordan, and Jordan’s wife Erica and their children Lindsey, Ryan, and Jacob; Stephanie H. Russell and her daughters Leigh and Paige; Russell M. Holmes, wife Tammy, and their children Mitchell and Adria; and Jody H. Bachelder, husband Todd, and their children Sam and Hillary; as well as beloved in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on from 5-7 p.m., Fri., May 20 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A service of remembrance will be held at 10 a.m., Sat., May 21, also at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol Area Library, PO Box 173, New Harbor, ME 04554.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.