TOPSHAM – Sue handed away peacefully and with grace after an 18-month battle with most cancers on Aug. 10, 2021 on the Highlands in Topsham, Maine. Whereas Sue lived with most cancers throughout this final 12 months and a half, she by no means let it outline her or cease her from doing what she cherished. Born in Rochester, N.Y., on Jan. 10, 1931, Sue graduated from The Harley College in Rochester. Whereas attending Harley, Sue met her future husband, Gerald Edwin Colson, when he was elected President and he or she was elected Vice-President of their junior class. They remained a group all through their life from their first date in October 1947 till Gerry’s dying in February 2017. Sue obtained her Bachelors in Bodily Schooling from St. Lawrence College in Canton, N.Y., and married Gerry shortly after on Aug. 20, 1952. A loving companion, Sue labored as a secretary to assist Gerry whereas he accomplished his MBA at Cornell College in Ithaca, N.Y., the place their first youngster, David, was born. Their second youngster Deborah (Debka) was born two years later in Corning, N.Y., after Gerry accepted a job on the Corning Glass Works. Sue treasured parenthood and household life. She additionally embraced the brand new alternatives that arrived with Gerry’s work transfers to Toronto, Canada; Painted Put up, N.Y.; and Wilmington, N.C. Sue developed a volunteer program by way of the United Methodist Church in Painted Put up and, after they moved to Wilmington, was employed as the primary Director of the native Voluntary Motion Middle.Looking for a supportive instructional atmosphere for her two teenage youngsters throughout the tumultuous Seventies, Sue took an exploratory journey north to New England together with her son to see various excessive faculties. They found The Assembly College, a Quaker co-educational boarding college in Rindge, New Hampshire, which turned a catalyst for a lot of vital life modifications for your complete household. After 20 years of company life, and whereas Debka attended the Assembly College, Sue and Gerry purchased an image framing, paint and artwork provide retailer in Peekskill, N.Y. The 2 of them managed the shop collectively for 5 years till their son was able to launch New Leaf Farm in Durham, considered one of Maine’s early licensed natural farms. Along with planting, harvesting and advertising the farm’s greens and herbs, Sue put her organizational abilities to work because the farm’s bookkeeper over the subsequent 30 years. All through her life, Sue relished summers spent close to lakes. As a baby, she swam and sailed together with her beloved prolonged household in a cluster of cottages constructed by her grandmother on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. She realized to canoe as a younger camper in Algonquin Park, Ontario and subsequently returned for canoe tenting journeys with Gerry and their two youngsters. Later, Sue and Gerry created a treasure trove of idyllic household reminiscences, first on Sebago after which on Crescent Lake in Maine. She cherished spending “inexperienced and blue days” by the water together with her youngsters, grandchildren and mates. Sue stayed on prime of present occasions and have become a daily supporter of progressive social causes, instructional establishments, and environmental organizations. She took nice pleasure in sustaining her connections with household and mates by way of letters, emails and cellphone calls and was at all times glad to find out about, in addition to share, the small particulars and pleasures of life. Many have spoken of her kindness and considerate insights. Sue is survived by her daughter Debka and her son David, his spouse Christine, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and extra expensive mates and prolonged household than will be counted. Her household will keep in mind her for her dedication to enjoyable and to life, and for generously sharing ice cream and cookies, in addition to her ever-present love and assist. She might be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations will be made in Sue’s honor to the Pure Sources Council of Maine (NRCM.org).
