Suzanne Alger

Suzanne “Susie” Alger was born on August 15, 1942, to Ralph and Katharine (Blood) Curtis. She graduated from Holliston High School, Holliston, MA and attend nursing school New England Baptist in Boston, MA.

Susie married her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Alger on August 18, 1961, and began their family in their hometown of Holliston, MA.

In 1972, Bill and Susie moved to Amherst, N.H. where Susie dedicated her career and volunteerism to the town of Amherst. Her positions included school bus driver, crossing guard and police dispatch. But she found her true calling as a permanent substitute teacher for the Amherst school district. Many children were fortunate to experience Mrs. Alger’s patience, knowledge, and fun spirit. She had a special gift of knowing which child needed that extra smile or encouragement.

She exemplified what it meant to be a volunteer, beginning with her young adult days in Holliston as a drug rehab counselor. In Amherst, she baked holiday cookies for inmates, was an original member of the Amherst Rescue Squad and a loyal member of the Amherst Garden Club, where she served in many roles including President.

Susie loved gardening, aways on the hunt for the most beautiful day lily. She was an avid reader, with a penchant for mysteries, and enjoyed antiquing with Bill, hunting for that elusive McCoy piece.

Susie retired with Bill to Colony Cove in Ellenton, FL in 2016. Here they made many new friends, and she continued her community service, leading Saturday Coffees, and leadership roles in the South Club.

But Susie’s true joy came from her family. There was no greater cheerleader than our mother and Nana and we lost her too soon. There is comfort in knowing that she is now with our father, who passed in December 2021. They had celebrated 60 years of marriage last August.

Susie was predeceased by her husband, parents and two brothers-in-law, Steven Alger, and Harry Rhodes. She is survived by her sister, Kathryn Rhodes, a brother, Burleigh and Peg Curtis, and sisters-in-law, Janet Alger and Julie and John Bevilacqua. Her loving children are Gayle and Bill Holden of Dresden, ME, Julie and Rand Hinman of New London, NH, Christopher (Chris) Alger of Milford, NH and William and Tracy Alger of Bradenton, FL. Nana is also survived by her loving eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her Florida community gathered to celebrate her life and there will be a private burial for Mom and Dad this fall.

If you would like to remember Susie, please consider a donation to your local library or garden club.