MOULTONBOROUGH ---- Susan Louise McGarry McGuigan, 66, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She left us all too soon and will be truly missed by all who ever knew her.
Born in Rahway, NJ (but not the prison, as she would say) on August 12, 1958, to the late Bernard and Claire (Archinal) McGarry.
Susan graduated from Billerica High School in 1976. After a short stay in Maryland to obtain her nursing degree, she found her way to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, where she made it home ever since.
Susan met Norm in a bar when she was a bartender for Millworks and wouldn’t serve him without an ID... 38 years together and they were still proving the point that opposites attract. Together they raised two children and later became “Yaya and Poppa” to two busy grandchildren. Over the years they merged their circles of friends to become a vast network that supported each other through good times and bad.
Known as ‘Suemc’ to her friends, she made connections wherever she went; in both her work and in her personal life, she was known for her inviting personality, conversation and smile. A lifelong nurse, she was truly the most kind and compassionate person anyone ever met; always thinking of others before herself. Susan worked in Oncology at LRGH for many years, and at the time of her diagnosis, for the Lakes Region Visiting Nurses’ Association as the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, where she co-created the hospice program.
She was a member of the Irregulars Antique Car Club, the NH Boat Museum, and the “After Prom Ladies” (a group that got together to plot new cocktail adventures long after their children had graduated high school). She was a semi avid hiker that conquered many peaks, including Mt. Washington and Lafayette, but was just as happy on Rattlesnake or Castle in the Clouds. She enjoyed skiing as well, but was soon dubbed ‘One Run Mum’ by her children–preferring to sit in the lodge and sip hot chocolate after one trip down the slopes. She loved to dance and throw a good party (both big "we bought the farm" parties and small "Happy Hours"). Traveling on the lake with their antique 1920 Laker or state to state with the old cars, or lunch rides on the Harley – she was never happier than when she was in her garden with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Shea by her side.
She loved the color yellow, a good bar of dark chocolate, being on the lake on a warm summer afternoon, and cherishing absolutely every moment with her grandchildren. Above all, she was a beloved wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and mother. Her children will miss the kindness, confidence and unwavering love and support she gave them every single day.
She is survived in life by her loving husband and caregiver Norman T. McGuigan; son Austin McGuigan; daughter Shelby Archie and her husband Arthur; beloved grandchildren Emerson and River Archie; as well as her sisters Deborah Bronchuck (Stephen) and Doreen Salera (Tony), and baby brother John McGarry (Mary). She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank Quality Care Home and Hospice of Moultonborough, especially her friend and former co-worker, Tanaya Call, for her incredible support and for going above and beyond throughout this journey.
In lieu of donations, the family would like to ask for donations of your time: become a hospice volunteer, drive someone to an infusion appointment, or just visit with an old friend. Sue and Norm were both hospice volunteers and this is something dear to their hearts.
The family will host their weekly Happy Hour at their Halfway Brook farm (57 Lee Road, Moultonborough) on Friday night, March 21, 2025, for all that have been regulars at ‘Happy Hour’ at the barn before, and Saturday, March 22, 2025 at noon for all others who wish to share stories and celebrate a life well lived.
Per Susan’s wishes, her ashes are to be distributed amongst her friends’ flower gardens.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.