Susan J. Caputo

Susan Joan (Luoma) Caputo passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 83, just 17 days after the passing of her beloved husband of 61 years, Michael Patrick Caputo. It was the longest they had been apart in more than 50 years, a testament to their inseparable bond.

Born on January 16, 1943, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, to Eino W. Luoma and Anne V. (Crowley) Luoma, Susan was the eldest of five children. Susan spent her childhood in New Hampshire until moving to Annapolis Maryland as a teenager where she graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1961. The following year she met the love of her life, Mike Caputo, a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. Susan and Mike married in September 1964 at the Naval Academy Chapel. Together, they embarked on seven adventurous years of Navy life, while starting a young family, moving from Annapolis to Florida, Texas, Maine, and Sicily, where they forged lifelong friendships with their Navy family.

After Mike's Naval service ended, the couple returned to their beloved New England and settled in New Hampshire. Drawn by the beautiful mountains, lakes, and seacoast, they decided that this is where they would raise their children, eventually making their family home in Bedford in 1972.

Susan's happiest and most cherished role in life was being a loving and devoted mother to her four children. She was wholeheartedly involved in all facets of their lives-enthusiastically participating in school activities, serving as a Cub Scout den mother and Brownie troop leader, and attending every sports game, match, and race. Her voice could always be heard cheering on the sidelines. She was an unwavering source of encouragement, pride, and unconditional support.

Susan was a devoted wife to Mike. They were partners in every adventure, a display of lifelong devotion. They shared a beautiful love affair that lasted over 60 years. Elegant and stylish, with a keen eye for fashion, Susan carried herself with grace and beauty. She was warm and engaging in conversation, making everyone she met feel truly heard, valued, and important.

With an infectious laugh and a personality full of life, Susan found joy in gardening, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, swimming, walking in the neighborhood and in nature, and her special fondness for dogs (always having at least two at a time). She was an excellent cook and loved preparing meals and treats for her family. Nana's chocolate chip cookies and lasagna were immensely enjoyed when her grandchildren visited. Many happy memories were made boating on Merrymeeting Lake and Squam Lake, where her children and grandchildren learned to waterski and fish. Susan enjoyed painting and was an enthusiast of the decorative arts, becoming a juried guild member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD).

A woman of profound service and faith, Susan taught CCD for many years at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, served on the Parish Council, administered the Holy Communion sacrament as a Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She facilitated the Ministry of Mothers' Sharing, was a faithful presence at Eucharistic Adoration, and for many years served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for vulnerable members of her community.

Susan is survived by her son Mark and wife Lisa of Ketchum, ID; her son Tom and wife Kait of Norwell, MA; her daughter Meghan of Bedford, NH; and her son Michael and wife Kim of Poughkeepsie, NY. She was the proud Nana of 12 grandchildren: Michael, Brittany, Christopher, Jackson, MacKenzie, Katarina, Connor, Jacob (1LT), Hannah, Elizabeth, Robbie, and TJ; and Great Nana to three: Malcolm, Wren, and Kennedy. She was predeceased by her husband Michael, her parents Eino Luoma and Anne Luoma, and her brother Lauri Luoma. She is survived by her sister Karen Lipson, and brothers David Luoma and John Luoma.

Her legacy of love, elegance, service, and fierce devotion to family will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Memorial Mass in honor of Susan and Mike will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11th, at 12:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford, New Hampshire. Following the Mass, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Bedford Event Center, located at 379 South River Road, Bedford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in Susan's name to Our Place through New Hampshire Catholic Charities (cc.nh.org) or to Dana Farber Cancer Institute (fundraise.cancerresearch.org).