LEWISTON – Susan Mary Gatchell, 76, of Auburn died peacefully at CMMC surrounded by her family on Jan. 24, 2024. She was born in Lewiston Jan. 4, 1948 to Richard Briggs Gatchell and Helen Verderber Gatchell.

She attended local schools graduating from Edward Little High School in 1966. She graduated from University of Maine at Farmington with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1970.

She worked for the Auburn School Department for 35 years, teaching Kindergarten at Sherwood Heights, Franklin and Washburn then transitioned up the grades and settled in as a third grade teacher until retirement in 2006. She even substituted for three more years. She was proud of her former students, especially those who became her colleagues. She was a member of the DKG and recently the Androscoggin Retired Educators Association. The teacher in her showed as she decorated her home every month with holiday themes.

She loved her family and could be found at crisp fall field hockey games, a freezing soccer field and even a dusty t-ball game for all of her great-nieces and nephew. She never missed a recital, chorus, or theater performance. While in the hospital she even voiced disappointment that she’d miss her little great-niece’s first cheer competition. But she’ll be present on the fan t-shirt for the whole season.

She was a voracious reader and always made sure her book list was full of books she wanted to read, especially Danielle Steel.

In her early years she enjoyed spending time at the family camp at the Beechwoods, on Thompson Lake. Later she vacationed on Bailey Island and enjoyed summer stops at Land’s End, Dolphin Marina, Hodgman’s and Taber’s.

She could be seen in the yard alongside her mother, raking leaves, cleaning flower beds, and decorating the yard. One daily chore she loved was filling the bird feeder and watching the birds while trying unsuccessfully to keep away the squirrels. She shared her mom’s love for fresh flowers and loved making arrangements to display around the house.

She is survived by her sister, Diane Elizabeth Gatchell, brother, David Verderber Gatchell; niece Katie Gatchell (Coby) Asselin; great-niece, Kirsten Lupher, great-nephew, Jacob Lupher, and great-niece, Cassie Asselin. She loved them greatly as if they were her own children. She is also survived by aisters-in-law Katharine Mooney- (Bob) Thayer and Peggy Gatchell; cousins Jon (Lisa), Jay (Jenny), Jill Perruzzi, Bonnie Kay (Dennis) Hendrickson, and Jeff Taber; good family friends for all her life, Joy and Norbert Moelke.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Richard “Ricky” Briggs Gatchell, Jr.; her aunts and uncle, Josephine, Barbara and Herbie.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. Burial will be held in the summer.

Her family would like to thank the staff of the CMMC ICU for providing her with comfort and care at the end of her life.

On line condolences can be shared at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Homes, 217 Turner St., Auburn 783-8545.

In her memory, please donate to the American Heart Association.

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