Susan Violette Milliken

Susan was born on August 18, 1947 to her loving parents Dick and Alice Violette. She spent her youth in Warner, NH and carried with her many fond memories of her early family life. It was there as a young woman that she accepted an invitation to go on a blind date with Jim Milliken, the man who would become the love of her life. Susan and Jim were married on December 19, 1969, and they soon settled in Concord, NH where she would become a vibrant member of the community.

Susan was a creative soul and she blessed her loved ones with many treasured works of art. To help support her family she turned the hobbies she was most passionate about into business ventures working as a hairdresser, seamstress, and photographer. She also worked for many years at Concord Hospital. Susan was also an accomplished vocalist and found great joy in singing. She was a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir and Concord Community Chorus Messiah and also brought her artistic energy to many productions as a member of the Concord Community Players.

Susan had a generous spirit and served as a volunteer at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for over 50 years. One of the projects that was most special to her was chairing the committee to replace the parish windows after the church was destroyed by a fire in 1984. In 2007 Susan created the Concord Chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Having struggled with her own mental health at times in her life, she poured her energy into building a supportive community for people to share their experiences.

Susan will be remembered as a beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Grammie and Friend. She was an excellent listener and brought comfort to many with her sympathetic ear. She also knew how to tell a great story and relished sharing her memories around the campfire. Those closest to her were lucky to witness her hilarious sense of humor. She knew how to take a joke and delighted in her sons’ efforts to make her laugh. She loved sunsets, sunrises, gardening, camping, boating, cooking and was a member of Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation.

Susan is survived by her husband Jim, sons Jim and his partner Karen Derie, Andrew and his wife Emily and Josh and his wife Joanne Ardinger; grandchildren Grace, Alden and Kara; siblings Paul and Joy; sister-in-law Carole Milliken; cherished family and friends; and her faithful Westie, Misty. She is predeceased by her parents Dick and Alice and her brother David.

Calling hours will be held Friday September 8th, 5-7pm, at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord, NH. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 9th, 1pm, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Center Street, Concord, NH.

You may honor Susan’s memory with a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Mission Fund, 21 Center Street, Concord, NH 03301 or to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 33 Carter St., Concord, NH 03301.