Susan Gaines

Susan Marie Gaines, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away Thursday, Sept. 19th, she had just made it past her 71st birthday. Known for her tough exterior but warm, kind-hearted soul, she touched the lives of many in ways that were as unique as she was.

Much like a prickly pear fruit-sharp on the outside, but tender and sweet within-Sue was someone whose love and empathy ran deep, even if her approach was sometimes blunt. She understood the complexities and challenges of being human, offering her sensitivity and compassion to both people and animals alike.

Her love for animals was unmatched. In her later years, she devoted herself to the care of many creatures, both those that lived in her home and the wild ones she befriended. She leaves behind Buddy, her fluffy mop-of-a-dog; Cat-Cat, her adopted feline companion (the cat adopted her); a squad of ducks, and three complicated parrots. Outside her immediate circle, she built unlikely friendships with, well, everyone and everything: her human neighbors, and also the local raccoons, ravens, skunks and other animals that came to know her as a kind and welcoming presence.

While animals were close to her heart, the most important connections she fostered were with those she loved deeply. She is survived by her best friend and longtime companion, Anthony Cooley, with whom she shared many years of work (nearly 30 years at the White Mountain Independent), laughter, and life. Her newest and most cherished friend was Bryson, the 5-year-old she cared for since her retirement, bringing fresh joy and purpose into her life.

Her life was shaped by immeasurable loss. After the tragic death of her 5-year-old granddaughter, Mariah, in a traffic accident, Sue was never quite the same. Her spirit dimmed even more when she lost her beloved daughter, Tami, unexpectedly, leaving behind four beautiful grandchildren-Alek, Noah, Niki, and Amya-whom she loved dearly.

She was stubborn, she was blunt, but she was also a woman of deep empathy, whose heart was always open to those in need, whether they walked on two legs or four. Though she faced her share of sorrow, she lived her life with courage and resilience, in fact, she had just beat her kidney cancer and was doing so well!

Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who knew her well. She will be remembered for her strength, her humor, and the unexpected sweetness she revealed to those who were willing to see beyond her feisty and sometimes prickly exterior. She leaves behind her two brothers, James and Mark, her Son Christopher and his wife, Amanda and their children, Philomena and Maxwell, as well as Tami's children, Alek, Noah, Amya and Marisela, and Mariah's sister, Pilar, as well as Alek's children, Maximo and Izabella.

A celebration of Sue's life will be held at the White Mountain Independent, Thursday Sept. 26th, at 11 a.m. All are welcome.