Susan Leach, 61, died at the University Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Jan. 30, 2018, from complications of the flu.

Susan, affectionately known as “Dude” to family and friends, was born in Boston on June 1, 1956, the second daughter of Harry T. and Sally (Merrow) Leach.

A 1974 graduate of Needham High School, Needham, Massachusetts, Susan attended Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, Vermont before transferring to Nasson College in Springvale, Maine. She was graduated from Nasson as a George Nasson Scholar in 1978. After working at Putnam and Gardener Preston Moss in Boston, she earned her master of science in management information systems at Boston University in 1985.

In 1989, Susan realized her dream of living in Maine. She moved to South Portland and began a long and distinguished career at UNUM, starting in the Individual Disability Division. While in South Portland, Susan was active in the Junior League and was a major contributor to their cookbook, Maine Ingredients. She also volunteered with the Iris Network, assisting blind clients on outings.

An outdoor enthusiast, Susan spent many weekends skiing at Sugarloaf. It was there she met her future husband, Larry Dibble, in 1992. The two were a great team, traveling the world together and enjoying everything Maine had to offer: skiing, hiking, boating, and gardening. As true animal lovers, there was always a dog by their side.

After 20 years with UNUM, Susan retired from the Products Division to care for her father. She and Larry moved to the family home on Sawyer’s Island.

Always willing to lend a hand, Susan got involved in community service. She was a trustee of the Boothbay Region Historical Society, contributing to the newsletter and coordinating the organization’s annual yard sale. She was an active member of the Sawyer’s Island Community Association and volunteered at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter Thrift Store.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Dibble; her sister, Sally Sewall; her dog, Emma; a large extended family; and a wide circle of friends. She will always be remembered for her smile, her wicked sense of humor, and her boundless generosity.

The family invites all who knew Susan to celebrate her memory at the Grayhouse, 60 Tavenner Road, Boothbay ME on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Rte. 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.