Susan Gardner Webster

Susan Gardner Webster, born on February 20, 1958, to William and Evelyn Gardner, passed peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Atlanta, surrounded by her loving family. Her life was marked by grace, determination, and a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.

Born in Chatham, New Jersey, and raised in Connecticut, Susan grew up with a love for figure skating. She was dedicated to the sport throughout her childhood and college years. She became an accomplished and graceful skater at the Skating Club of Hartford, competing alongside several future Olympians. Her discipline and competitive spirit earned her recognition throughout her high school years. Her grace also played a role in her selection as Connecticut Junior Miss during that time.

Susan attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration at what was then the Whittemore School of Business and Economics. Her UNH years were filled with friendships that became lifelong anchors. It was also at UNH that she met the love of her life, Bob Webster—a courtship that began 50 years ago this fall. They were married for 42 years and together built a life grounded in family, friendship, travel, faith, and—most importantly—joy.

After college, Susan moved to New York City to begin her career at the Plaza Hotel. She enjoyed several vibrant years in the city before moving to Boston after her marriage to Bob, where she worked for the Westin Hotel Copley Place in their Convention Services group. Susan was highly organized and excelled at managing events seamlessly. Bob’s career eventually brought them to Atlanta, which they called home for the past 38 years.

Susan’s happiest place was their home in Newport, Rhode Island, where the family spent their summers for the last 27 years. She was the ultimate hostess, welcoming friends and family with warmth and ease, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She embraced the Newport community and was a longtime supporter of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

One of the greatest examples of Susan’s strength was the way she managed her illness for more than two decades. She kept it quietly in the background, never allowing it to define her life. Her spirit was evident in the way she continued to show up for the people she loved—fully present and unwavering in her loyalty.

The greatest joys of Susan’s life were her two sons, Will and Jonathan, of whom she was immensely proud. Her love for them was unshakable, unwavering, and undeniable. She delighted in watching their sporting events, celebrating their accomplishments, engagement parties, a magical wedding, and cherishing every moment they shared together as a family. With Bob’s rigorous travel schedule, Susan was the grounding force of their home—steady, loving, and always present.

Susan is survived by her husband, Robert J. Webster of Atlanta, Georgia; her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. J. William Webster and Dr. Emily Webster of West Palm Beach, Florida; her son, Jonathan H. Webster, and his fiancée, Kelsey Oliver, of Atlanta, Georgia; her mother, Evelyn Gardner of Atlantic Beach, Florida; and numerous family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, William H. Gardner.

Those who knew Susan will remember her for her sweet kindness, her patience, her calm elegance, and the way she made others feel important. She moved through life with the smooth grace of a figure skater. Her legacy lives on in the people she loved, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless moments of warmth and generosity she shared.

A memorial family greeting will be held in Atlanta from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill Funeral Home, 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30319.

A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the family’s church, St. James United Methodist Church, 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30342. A celebration of life reception will follow the service at The Whitley Hotel, 3434 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. A room block has been arranged at the hotel for out-of-town guests wishing to stay overnight.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a foundation in her honor to fund cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and to support Susan’s favorite charity in Newport, the Preservation Society of Newport County. More details will follow regarding the foundation, as well as a celebration of Susan’s life to be held in Newport, Rhode Island, this fall.