Susan A Marsden

THORNTON---- Susan A. Marsden passed away May 23, 2024, at her home in Thornton NH surrounded by her family and loved ones. Susan was born on June 13, 1943, in Gardner, MA to Edward and Elizabeth (McBurnie) Bolen.
Susan graduated from Taunton High School in Taunton, MA and Katherine Gibbs School in Providence, RI. Susan married Russell E. Marsden on March 20, 1965. They moved north to Thornton and purchased the Gilcrest Motel in 1977 to live their life in an area they loved. Sue and Russ started the Pemi-Valley Bluegrass Festival in 1993 which ran for 26 years. Sue and Russ were the proud recipients of the 2019 Boston Bluegrass Union Heritage Award for their devotion to promoting bluegrass music. The festival introduced Sue and Russ to the bluegrass community, and Sue was forever grateful for the love and support provided by the bluegrass community.
During their retirement years Sue and Russ spent time in Florida meeting friends at festivals during the winter as well as festivals from Florida to New England in the summer months. After years of declining health, Russ passed away in 2011. Sue, with her new partner, Bob Dunlap, continued to travel extensively all over the US and Europe. Month long trips across the country were common visiting numerous friends and family, and of course most trips involved bluegrass festivals. Sue had 12 wonderful years full of love and adventures with Bob.
Sue was predeceased by Russell Marsden, her husband of 45 years, her parents and her sister Joan Champagne. She is survived by her partner Bob Dunlap of Thornton NH, her daughter Kathleen Bright of West Palm Beach, FL, her son Jeffrey Marsden of Alstead NH and his wife Melanie, and her "adopted" children Meghan Smith and her husband Garrett of Bethlehem NH and Brian Dunlap of Santa Cruz CA. Her 7 grandchildren - Rebecca Bright and her husband Julian De Los Reyes of Bath UK, Abigail Bright of Dighton MA, Sara Marsden of Kalispell MT, Tess Marsden of Alstead NH, Owen Marsden of Walpole NH, Meredith and Eliza Smith of Bethlehem NH. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Robert Marsden of Taunton MA and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Pemi-Baker Home Health and Hospice, 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH 03264 or to one's charity of choice. We are so grateful for the wonderful care Pemi-Baker provided for Sue in the final weeks of her life, as well as all the visits from family and friends over the past few months. Sue will always be remembered for her kind smile and loving heart.
A Celebration of Life is planned for August 3, 2024, at the Sugar Shack Campground in Thornton. Music starts at 1pm and the service begins at 2pm. Burial will be a private family event at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Thornton.
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.