LEWISTON — Susan K. Gordon-LaRochelle, 63, of Auburn, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston.

She was born in Meriden, Conn., on Dec. 25, 1954, a daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth (Lister) Gordon. At a young age, she moved to West Warwick, R.I., where she grew up as the eldest of seven. She was often found perfecting her many culinary disasters or juggling a job at the library, where she found her love of books. After high school, she attended Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., where she majored in political science.

After college, she moved to Maine with her family,where she would eventually meet and marry Paul LaRochelle on Oct. 12, 1982, and start a family of her own.

During that time, she worked with special needs individuals and also worked at Tri-County Mental Health Services as a crisis intervention specialist for over 30 years. As of five years ago, she worked in the Lewiston School System as an ed tech in a special needs classroom.

Susan will always be remembered for her love of shopping, traveling, reading, venturing out on different quests, as she would call them, spending time at the ocean and relaxing at home. She will be remembered as a constant caregiver and for her creative culinary concoctions.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul LaRochelle, of Auburn; her children, Erin Landry and her husband, Seth, of Vienna, Ethan LaRochelle and his wife, Kellie, of West Lebanon, N.H., and Elizabeth-Anne LaRochelle of Auburn. She also leaves behind her siblings, Nancy, Kate, John, Teny and Mary; along with her three grandchildren, Teagan, Thatcher and Tyce; many nieces and nephews; and her father, Arthur.

She was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth, and a brother, Mike.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Susan K. Gordon-LaRochelle