PORTLAND — Susan L. Prince, 53, a resident of Biddeford, passed away, Friday, Sept. 28,in Portland, with her loving family by her side.

She was born March 2, 1959, in Lewiston, the daughter of Charles and Marjorie Palmer Prince. She attended school at the Garcelon School and Madison Street School, established by John F. Murphy. Susan was a Special Olympian, competing as a swimmer in Maine and at the first International Special Olympics in Brockport, N.Y., in 1979.

She worked full time at Pathways for several years while living in the Lewiston and New Gloucester area, later moving to South Portland to work at Community Partners in Portland, which supports people with developmental disabilities. Susan continued working at Community Partners after moving to Biddeford. She served on the Board of Directors for Community Partners. She was also an advocate trainer for University of New England students and did new staff orientation training for Community Partners.

Susan testified before the Legislature, supporting the funding for nonprofit groups to allow people with disabilities to live on their own. She stated, “Being independent for us is having our dreams come true.” Susan loved to volunteer, travel, attend concerts and listen to country music. She also liked to write poems and stories and knit, do needlepoint and many other crafts.

She is survived by her mother, Marjorie Prince of Sabattus; her sisters, Florence Prince MacMullen and her husband, Howard, of Sabattus, Nancy Prince of Dunedin, Fla., Karen Sawyer and her husband, Frank, of Lewiston and Sharon Buelow and her husband, Robert, of Bowdoinham; her brothers, John Prince and his wife, Lakur, of Boaz, Ala., and William Prince and his wife, Candice, of Boothbay Harbor; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Charles R. Prince; and her brother, Clyde A. Prince.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.