Susan Barker

Susan Barker

Dublin, NH - Susan Katzenbach Barker of Dublin, New Hampshire, passed away from a sudden illness on June 24, 2025, at the age of 82. She leaves behind her husband of 62 years, William Albro Barker.

Born in Stamford, Connecticut, and raised in New Canaan, Susan graduated with the Class of 1962 from St. Mary's-in-the-Mountains. Her life was marked by deep-rooted passions, an extraordinary eye for beauty, and a quiet strength carried with the utmost elegance.

Susan possessed a rare and intuitive talent for horticulture-everything she touched seemed to flourish. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of plant life, both by common and Latin names, and she devoted herself to nurturing gardens. She served as President of the Garden Club of Dublin, Chairman of Zone 1 of the Garden Club of America, and was a respected horticulture and daffodil judge.

In 2005, Susan turned her creative energy to jewelry-making, crafting unique sterling and bead pieces. She exhibited her work with the South Coast Artists in Westport, Massachusetts, and the Monadnock Art/Friends of the Dublin Art Colony in Dublin, New Hampshire. Her pieces were beloved, and many clients returned year after year, building cherished collections.

Known for her signature poise, Susan was rarely seen without her lipstick and perfectly coiffed hair. Her grace and dry wit left an impression wherever she went.

Susan is survived by her husband, William; her children, Nathaniel Barker and his wife Rachel of Cambridge, MA, and Nina Barker Brogna and her husband Michael of Westport, MA; and her granddaughters, Trixie and Halle Barker. She is also survived by her sister, Varick Niles; nephews Nick and Sam Niles; and her stepbrother, Chris Katzenbach. She was predeceased by her stepbrother Emery Katzenbach.

Susan's legacy lives on in the gardens she tended, the art she created, and the family and friends who loved her dearly. In lieu of flowers or donations, please do something kind for a stranger.

A celebration of Susan's life will be planned for early autumn.