Dorothy Suzi Osher

1928-2025

Saco, ME- Dorothy Suzi Osher, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Saco on June 28, 2025. Suzi was born in Biddeford Maine on September 6, 1928, the oldest of three girls born to Joseph A. and Anna Marie (LaVallee) Petrin.

Suzi was educated locally and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1947. She developed a strong work ethic early in her life starting at age 10, waiting on customers at the neighborhood variety store. She went on to work at the Census bureau at age 15.

After graduation, Suzi stayed home to help her ill mother take care of the household rather than going off to college. She applied for a job as an intern with the local dentist and got the job. This was the start of a lifelong partnership with her future husband Alfred Osher, who she married in 1965. Suzi became an excellent dental technician and eventually began running all aspects of the office.

In 1959, she opened the Jo-Ann Shop, a high-end clothing store in downtown Biddeford which she operated successfully for many years.

Suzi began purchasing real estate at an early age. A cottage at Bay View was her first purchase. She and Alfred would eventually build their home on the lot and enjoy many years together at the beach. A carriage house in Portland came next, which she would completely renovate in her later years. Together with Alfred, they purchased the Chadwick and Bowdoin apartment buildings which she would oversee for many years. She continued investing in real estate for many years.

Suzi started investing in the stock market in her early 20's and continued throughout her lifetime right up until her last days. She loved to read and always had a book by her side. She spent many hours reading financial publications to get investment ideas.

She was an accomplished pianist in her younger years, and music remained an important part of her life.

Fishing was also a passion of hers starting when her father took her fishing as a young girl. She took many fishing trips with Alfred, from remote camps in Northern Maine to Deep Sea fishing off the coast of Mexico.

Suzi and Alfred travelled all over the world during their years together. They began collecting art from various countries and she would continue to collect Fine Art for many years.

Her success in her investments enabled her to give back to the community. Over

the years, she donated to many organizations throughout the State. She was instrumental in kicking off major fundraising campaigns for many local institutions.

Suzi believed in education being the key to success, so she established Endowed Scholarships for students at Tufts University and U.S.M.

Her generosity touched many lives over the years and will continue to do so for many years to come through her foundation.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Alfred, her sister Ruth Ann (Petrin) Valliere, her sister Jeanne Rachel (Petrin) Smith, and her beloved black lab Misty.

Suzi is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Congregation Etz Chaim in Biddeford.

As requested by Suzi, she will be laid to rest at Temple Beth El Memorial Park in a private service.

The family of Suzi would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Suzi's team from Comfort Keepers for their many years of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Suzi’s online guest book.