Susan J. “Sue” Wilson, 77, died Feb. 6, 2025 at Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick. 

Sue was born Aug. 10, 1947 in Newport, Rhode Island.  Sue grew up in Newport and graduated from Rogers High School in the class of 1965.  Sue attended University of Rhode Island.  She married Alden “Denny” Wilson and raised her two sons.

Sue worked as an administrative assistant for the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. and for the Personnel Department for the U.S. Navy.  She later worked at the Pentagon as assistant chief of staff for Intelligence.  She continued her work as an administrative assistant at the White House for the Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention and helped set up N.I.D.A. (National Institute Drug Abuse) during the Nixon-Ford administration.

She transferred to Rhode Island to work for the Shake A Leg Sailing Program which helped handicapped youth learn how to sail.  She also worked at the War College on the Stars & Stripes Publication.  Sue worked as a judge’s assistant at DHHS hearings for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Providence, RI.  Sue was on the Governor’s Committee for the Handicapped and ADA compliance.  

Sue and Denny retired to Maine where she continued her work for others in many organizations.  She developed the FISH (Friends In Service Helping) Driving Program.  She read the Boothbay Register for the Blind, starting the VIP Program with Joan Stark.  She volunteered over 20 years for the Joint Outreach for St. Columba’s and All Saints By-The-Sea churches.  She served on the committees for building St. Columba’s Church.  

Sue worked with Sarah Foulger, Greta Russell and Kit Sherrill to develop BRCRC, now known as CRC (Community Resource Council) to help the less fortunate in the community.  Sue was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. 

In Rhode Island, Sue was on the board and sang for the Swanhurst Chorus and also sang with the “Strays” female group.  Sue went to Westminster Choir College in New Jersey offered by St. Mary’s Church for Hand Bell directing school.  Sue directed Junior and Senior Handbell Choirs at St. Mary’s Church and in Maine at St. Columba’s Church.  She also directed the choir at St. Columba’s.  Sue volunteered for over 20 years for the Newport Music Festival-Classical Music in the Mansions of Newport.  She was also a member of DAR (Daughter of American Revolution, Pemaquid Chapter for several years.

Sue was predeceased by her husband, Alden “Denny” Wilson in 2023.

Sue is survived by her two sons, Robert R. Wilson of Milo, Maine and  Brian C. Wilson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Brittany Hinshaw of Warwick, Rhode Island and Shane Wilson of New York City; and four great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Sue’s life will be held at a later date to be announced.  Contributions in Sue’s memory may be made to Midcoast Humane Society, ℅ Edgecomb Campus, Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, ME 04011. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com