Susan Quimby

Susan was born January 2, 1955, to Robert S. and Carolyn Simms Gonder, Sr.

Susan attended West Morris Central High School (Class of ‘73) and went on to become a dental hygienist working in Sparta, and later in Chester, New Jersey for many years.

Susan was a long-time resident of Budd Lake, New Jersey. This is where she met her husband, Tom (retired from the Roxbury Police Department) and where her children were born. Susan was always very active in school and sports activities of Kyle and Allison: be it field hockey or football, fund raisers, field trips, or baking cookies. No one had more enthusiasm, she was always their biggest cheerleader.

Susan joined the Budd Lake First Aid and Rescue Squad in the early ‘90’s. She was a dedicated, compassionate EMT. During her tenure at the “Squad”, Susan served her community as a past Lieutenant, past President, and became a Lifetime Member. This is an honor reflecting the respect and appreciation the Squad members have for Susan’s many contributions over the years and her passion for helping others in their time of need. Susan was also a member of The New Jersey State First Aid Council, helping again by adding her knowledge and experience to improve the methods used to assist the residents of New Jersey in times of crisis. Her unique perspective and unwavering commitment have always made Susan a voice to be heard and valued.

Moving to Little River, SC was a new chapter. No longer workdays for Susan and Tom, now it was retirement and a little more relaxation. When you move and most of your friends are still left in your old hometown, what do you do? Well, if you are Susan, you have friends come and visit for a bit, and then you show them the “good life” (no cold, no snow, no traffic) and the beach, the sun, the warm weather, and soon, the friends are following you to the South to live.

Susan and Tom built a great life in New Jersey and now built a great life in Little River. Susan worked a bit to have some fun, and she enjoyed herself, selling jewelry on the beach and working at a winery. Tom worked at the Marina. And although both keeping busy, they always made time for family and friends.

Susan loved life. She loved her family and friends. She loved music and adventures and never met a beach she did not like. She filled her home with pictures of all the people she loves. The house in Little River is beautiful, warm, inviting, and a lovely home that is filled with love and the things that gave her pleasure. (Susie recently said how easy it was to give her a gift, because it was the littlest thing would bring a smile to her face or that thankful tear to her eye).

How do you adequately give the pertinent information about one person’s life and their passing? Simply put, you don’t, especially when the person is Susan. If you know her well, you have stories that go back a long time. If you knew her briefly, your stories are more current. No matter the length of time you knew her, you were certain that this woman was a “Force of Nature,” and your words to describe her will be the same, I am sure.

She was smart, funny, kind, loving, compassionate, dedicated, patient, generous of time and spirit, thoughtful, willing to go the extra mile, selfless, protective, but most importantly, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, cousin, colleague, and friend. One of the Bravest, Strong, Most Courageous, Hopeful, and Optimistic people you will have ever known.

These past two years, battling cancer took its toll. A toll was taken on time with family and friends, her energy, her bodily strength, her ability to live the way she dreamed: no holds barred full steam ahead, no reservations.

She was gratef

ul to the doctors that took a risk to help her when surgery was needed. She was “best patient,” said Dr. Rao, in October. Susan was giving it her all, handling treatment and its aftermath, and still a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and that impenetrable spirit that made sure the rest of us were ok. The family is grateful to her medical teams: Dr. Rao, Dr. Bickenbach, and Dr. Meyer and to Angelic Hospice Care.

She left us all too soon. She left us all wishing for another word, another hour, another day. Susan left us on her terms, with her home filled with the love of family surrounding her. She left us grateful that the pain was gone and grateful that her next step into heaven would lead her to even more love waiting for her.

Susan is survived by her husband of 40 years, Thomas Quimby; her children, son, Kyle Quimby and wife Susie; grandsons, Colin and Joaquin; daughter Allison (Quimby) Meany and husband Ryan; granddaughter Meyer Leigh; sister: Sheryl Gonder Parkman; her brother, Gregg A. Gonder and wife Laurie. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends who are considered family also survive Susan. Susan is proceeded in death by both her parents; her brother, Robert S. (Robbie) Gonder Jr.; and nephew Robert.

Susan left us with an example of how to live the best life you can. She showed us everyday how to be alive, engaged, happy, and truly invested in the happiness of others. Susan left us to love and comfort each other, knowing we would. Susan left us a challenge as well. To honor her memory and her extraordinary life, to share your stories of her, to show your pictures, to talk about her, and to keep her alive in our minds and hearts. LIVE YOUR LIFE, LOVE YOUR LIFE, BE HAPPY and be certain: she is wishing you to live the best life possible!!

A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a cause near and dear to her heart: The Budd Lake First Aid & Rescue Squad. Contributions can be made via https://gofund.me/fa596f36 or sent to Budd Lake First Aid & Rescue Squad, PO Box 761, Budd Lake, NJ 07828.

Fond memories and sympathies may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com

Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.