Susan Rivoire Hostnik

Susan was a devoted wife to her late husband, Bill, and a loving mother to their five children: Charles, Heidi, Stephen, John, and Susan. She took immense pride in her family, and her warmth and generosity touched all who knew her. Whether attending her children’s events, hosting family gatherings, or welcoming patients at Bill’s medical practice, Susan had an innate ability to make people feel comfortable.. In their later years, she was Bill’s dedicated caregiver as he battled Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade. Thanks to her unwavering love and commitment, they were able to remain together in their cherished family home in Old Lyme until his last year.

Susan was born in New York City and raised in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the beloved daughter of Charles William Rivoire (secretary and general counsel for the former W.T. Grant Company) and Dorothy Starr, and the sister to Charles William (Bill) Rivoire, Jr.

Growing up, Susan always had a love for fine clothing and fashion - she was lovingly called a “clothes horse just like her mother,” by her brother Bill. She sewed many of her own clothes, and throughout her teenage years and into her adult life she was a model - always known for her beauty and elegant dressing. She loved her friends and family. She enjoyed summers at camp as a girl, and vacationing on Cape Cod. She also volunteered as a "Candy Striper" in hospitals - no wonder she fell in love with a doctor! Susan attended Colby Jr. College in New Hampshire (now known as Colby Sawyer) before moving back to New Jersey.

Susan met Bill on a blind date while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy, where he was serving as an officer. Their connection was immediate, and in 1957, they married and began a life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to one another.

They first lived at the Naval Air Base in Lakehurst, New Jersey, before moving around as Bill finished his medical training – first to Baltimore for a year, then four years in Albany, New York and two years in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1964, they settled in Old Lyme, Connecticut, where they built their life together, raising their five children and becoming pillars of their community.

As the wife of a respected plastic surgeon and chief of plastic surgery at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Susan played an integral role in Bill’s medical practice. She was the office manager for many years and “wore many hats” - greeting patients with kindness and listening to their stories, assisting Bill in the treatment room, and providing comfort to those in need, particularly the younger patients. Her presence at the practice extended beyond a supportive role - she became a source of reassurance and warmth for countless individuals who walked through the doors.

Beyond her family, Susan was a woman of many passions. She and her daughters shared a deep love for horses. She spent years with her youngest daughter on the competitive jumping circuit, forging lasting friendships and creating treasured memories along the way. Susan enjoyed gardening, lovingly planting gardens at her home. She also enjoyed painting, needlepoint, and tennis; and added skiing to her list of hobbies as the children grew older so she could share those activities with them. She volunteered on many committees and made history as the first female board member of the Old Lyme Beach Club, a place that held a special significance for her family. Summers were filled with cherished moments at the Beach Club, where she gathered with friends, children, and later, grandchildren. In the winter, their Vermont home became a retreat, where Susan ensured her family always had a warm and welcoming place to come together - whether for skiing, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons.

Susan was a true matriarch and the heart of her family, creating traditions and memories that will be treasured for generations. Her loved ones will forever cherish Thanksgivings in Old Lyme, New Year's celebrations in Vermont, and summer weekends at the beach. She was fiercely independent until the very end, always polite and kind and dignified even in the face of considerable adversity. Her legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to family.

Susan is survived by her brother Charles William Rivoire and his wife Sue of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by her five children, Charles Rivoire Hostnik and his wife Gail of Olympia, Washington, Heidi Hostnik Jaeger of Boston, Massachusetts, Stephen Douglas Hostnik and his wife Candy of Pembroke, Massachusetts, W. John Hostnik and his wife Nikki of St. Louis, Missouri, and Susan Starr Hostnik of Waterford, Connecticut. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren – Kate Miguel and her husband David, Jamie Hostnik, Nathan Jaeger and his wife Christina, Alexandra Jaeger, Brandon Jaeger and his wife Mary, Tara Hostnik, Christopher Hostnik, Kelsey Hostnik, Garner Hostnik, Ryan Botseas, Tyler Jacob (Jake) Botseas, and Starr Hostnik - and three great grandchildren – Amara, Michael, and Eloise.

She was a classy, kind, and beautiful lady, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/) in Susan’s name.