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Suzanne Gamble Obituary

Suzanne Elizabeth (Stibbe) Gamble

Sunshine and smiles, Suzanne Gamble was a model of joy, positivity and love to all who knew her. Nicknamed "Sunny" Suzanne by her grandmother, she drew friends, coworkers, and family to her warm personality even as she battled cancer for over twelve years.

Suzanne was born on March 2, 1969, in the Cleveland area to Tom and Mary Ann Stibbe. After completing her biology degree at the College of Wooster, she pursued a Masters in entomology at the University of Georgia where she met her future husband, Doug Gamble, also of Cleveland. As a graduate student, Suzanne notably discovered the Rheocyclops (R. Carolinianus), a copepod that was later verified as a new genus by the Smithsonian Institute.

Following graduate school, she and Doug moved to Mississippi and then Wilmington, NC. Suzanne concentrated on raising their two boys while gardening, reselling furniture and antiques, and collecting bug specimens which she preserved in the kitchen freezer. Eventually, a part-time sales position turned into a twenty-year passion at Cape Fear Jewelry & Antiques where Suzanne specialized in identifying designer and unusual pieces, and enthusiastically explaining the entomology of insect jewelry to collectors.

Just like the dragonfly, Suzanne's known spirit insect, she was a transformational and inspirational example of strength, courage and grace as she pursued a life that never bowed to either pain or disease. With her ready smile, open heart, generous spirit, faithful friendship and forgiving nature, Suzanne Elizabeth Gamble, aged 52, passed in comfort surrounded by family on October 27, 2021.

Suzanne is survived by her devoted husband of 25 years, Doug Gamble (Wilmington); and two beloved sons, Devin (19) and Paul (12); her mother, Mary Ann Stibbe of Leland; sister, Sarah (Constantine) Damaskos of Montclair, NJ; sister, Jennifer (Ravi) Rajan of Yardley, PA; brother, Matthew (Fancy) Stibbe of Penn Valley, CA; eight nieces and nephews; as well as her most faithful friend and mentor, Pait Skipper (Wilmington).

Services will be held in Wilmington, NC at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Immediately following, family and friends are invited to a reception and repast at the church. Calling hours are Thursday, November 4 from 2-4:00 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary. To join the Friday service online, go to https://boxcast.tv/view/suzanne-gamble-memorial-service-386262

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Center, the Zimmer Cancer Center or the blood bank or hospice of your choice.

Share online condolences with the family at:

www.andrewsmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Nov. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Suzanne Gamble

Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.

Not sure what to say?





Scott Curtis

November 17, 2021

I just heard the news. Sincere condolences and prayers. I got to know Suzanne through Doug and our time working together in the Caribbean. Suzanne had a bright personality and a deep love for her family. Mother of "team mongoose" you will be missed.

Steve Skrabal

November 9, 2021

Dear Doug and Family: My sincerest condolences to you. Suzanne clearly was a remarkable person. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Steve Adams

November 5, 2021

My prayers for Suzanne, Doug, Devin , Paul and family at this time. Honored to have been part of your beautiful family and getting to know Suzanne over the years. May her beautiful spirit lift you up at this time.

Bonnie MONTELEONE

November 5, 2021

What a beautiful obituary to a lovely person I wish I had taken the opportunity to get to know. We may have had a lot in common and would’ve loved to learn more about her wonderful life. I am incredibly saddened for the family and wished I had been a better neighbor.

Paula Jones

November 4, 2021

She was always a ray of sunshine. I was fortunate to have meet her

Michelle Zumbro

November 3, 2021

Suzanne was a remarkable woman! So smart, always with a smile, warm greeting ,and positive energy. I was blessed to know her. My sincere condolences to the family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Chris, Jenna & Starr Holcombe

Planted Trees

Jackie Ransdell

November 2, 2021

Suzanne was so many things to so many people and she was loved and admired by all who knew her. I'm honored we had such a sweet friendship and I'll carry memories of her in my heart as long as I live. No matter who you were, she could identify with you and she always made me feel loved and special. She definitely was "one of a kind" and she glowed with God's purpose for her life. She lived the life He was proud of and I'd like to be more like her. Always, Suzanne, I'll love you always. To Doug, Devin, Paul, Mama, Sisters, Brother, Pait ... be proud. She loved all of you and you always knew it.

Shannon Doxon

November 1, 2021

Suzanne was the most positive person that I have ever known!!!! She ALWAYS had a smile on her face, which in turn, always made me smile!!!! She will be in my heart FOREVER!!!!! I admired her SO MUCH!!!!!

Adele Rosenblum

November 1, 2021

To The Gamble, Stibbe, Damaskos & Rajan Families,
Even though I never met Suzanne, I learned from Sarah what a special person she was & how deeply her loss is felt. Wishing you the strength to face the days ahead & wonderful memories to cherish forever.

The FTD Simply Serene Floor Basket

The Gallaher cousins

Sent Flowers

Louis Chenot

November 1, 2021

Suzanne is now smiling with our Heavenly Father. Dear Mary Ann and family, please celebrate her life as she would want you to do so. Sending our love, June, Lou, Irene, Tom, Ina and Pam.

Nancy and Mark Vegotsky

October 31, 2021

Our sincere condolences. Mark and I send thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Derek Alderman

October 31, 2021

My wife, Donna, and I were so fortunate to have met Suzanne and been the recipients of her hospitality and friendship. Suzanne brighten the whole city of Wilmington and her positive impact was clear from all the people who loved and knew her.

Rosemary O’Hayer

October 31, 2021

I am so very sorry for your loss. Suzanne was beautiful inside and out. I send you my heartfelt condolences. Rosemary O’Hayer

Mallory Tarses

October 31, 2021

Suzanne touched my life and my daughters life for fourteen years. A loyal friend, giver of excellent parenting, and life, of tough love, and of unparalleled kindness, Suzanne was a second mom to my daughter and a beam of light in my life. She is the best mom, best friend, and best person I have ever known, and she will shine in my heart forever.

Chris, Jenna and Starr Holcombe

October 31, 2021

Doug, Devin, Paul and Mary Ann ,

Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.

Wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time.

What is lovely never dies, but passes into another loveliness, Star-dust or sea-foam, Flower or winged air.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Lucianne Batty

October 30, 2021

Mary Ann Stibbe and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time †

Joyce Zimmerman

October 30, 2021

A brilliant mind, a winning personality and a sunny attitude. Suzanne will be missed by many. My sympathy to Doug and the boys. Joyce Zimmerman

Alicia Lauterer

October 30, 2021

Dearest Stibbe/Gamble families, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. God bless,

Eric Fournier

October 29, 2021

Such a genuine and delightful person. Regrets that we didn’t see Doug and Suzanne as much once they moved to Wilmington, but will cherish our time together in Athens and Starkville. Wishing peace and strength to Doug and the boys.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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Memorial Events
for Suzanne Gamble

Nov

4

Calling hours

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington

1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401

Nov

5

Service

2:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

Wilmington, NC

Funeral services provided by:

Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington

1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401

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