Susan L. Atwater, 82, formerly of Damariscotta, passed away on April 29, 2024 at her home in Mystic, Conn., after a long illness, with her family by her side. She was born on Nov. 10, 1941 in New York City, the daughter of Frederick Engelking and Myrtle (Ryder) Engelking.
In fifth grade, she and her family moved to Litchfield, Conn., where she met the love of her life. She just didn’t know it at the time. Upon graduating from high school, where she was the art editor of her class’s yearbook, she attended Hartford College for Women. In 1964 she married David, the aforementioned love of her life. They settled in the Boston area and raised two wonderful children. Fortune smiled on her as she seized the opportunity to return to college. In 1987 she graduated from Emmanuel College with a degree in studio arts. While working at DeCordova Museum, she honed her skills in painting raw silk. Her work was displayed in various venues and sold nationwide. An artist and champion of the arts, a naturalist, a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Susan will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by David, her husband of 59 years; a daughter, Kim Atwater-Moses and her husband, Andrew; and granddaughters, Alexa and Siri; a son, Nathan Atwater and his wife, Sarah; and grandsons, Nick and Zach. She is also survived by an older brother, Fred Engelking; and many other family and friends.
Services will be private with a celebration of life in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an art organization of your preference.
