Susan Hostnik

8/14/1933 - 3/15/2025

Old Lyme - Susan Rivoire Hostnik, longtime resident of Old Lyme, passed away peacefully March 15, 2025. She was 91. Susan was born August 14, 1933, in New York City, N.Y., the daughter of the late Charles William Rivoire and Dorothy Starr. She is survived by her brother Charles William Rivoire and his wife Sue of Portland, Ore. She is also survived by her five children: Charles Rivoire Hostnik and his wife Gail of Olympia, Wash., Heidi Hostnik Jaeger of Boston, Mass., Stephen Douglas Hostnik and his wife Candy of Pembroke, Mass., W. John Hostnik and his wife Nikki of St. Louis, Mo., and Susan Starr Hostnik of Waterford. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Her husband of 61 years, Dr. William John Hostnik, formerly of Charleroi, Pa., predeceased her.

Susan grew up in Glen Ridge, N.J. and attended Colby Jr. College (now Colby Sawyer) in New London, N.H.

In addition to raising her five children, creating beautiful homes, and ensuring lasting family memories, Susan wore many hats outside the home. She modeled into her adult life, and enjoyed volunteering on various committees. She also made history as the first female board member of the Old Lyme Beach Club. After her children grew up, she worked as the office manager in her husband's plastic surgery practice. Later, she became his full-time caregiver as he battled with Alzheimer's for over ten years. Her love and dedication allowed them to stay in their family home together until the last year of his life.

Susan was a classy, kind, beautiful and fiercely independent lady. She has created memories that will last many lifetimes, and she will be deeply missed.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/) in Susan's name. For the full obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com.