Susan Mae Steele

Susan Mae (Gauthier) Steele, 73, of Berlin, NH and formerly of Auburn, ME, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin after a period of failing health. Susan was born in Berlin on September 8, 1951 the daughter of the late Donald F. Gauthier, Sr. and Katherine R. (Wheelock) Gauthier. She attended Berlin schools and attended the Ahead Community Center, played the drums, and was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in North Conway. While she spent many years living in Berlin, she also resided in Colebrook for a brief period and moved to Auburn, ME in 2004.

"Sue’s hallmark in life was her loving and generous spirit. On her journey through life’s inevitable ups and downs, she was extraordinarily resilient, and swam with the currents as necessary. She was remarkably good natured and caring to her family, friends and the less fortunate who she encountered on her path. Sue was a shining gift to her family and those who loved her. She was truly a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, partner, and loyal friend. All were recipients of her kindness and compassion. We enjoyed her sense of humor and found her funny and witty. Susan often expressed herself in poems and short versus; she would convey heartfelt emotions and was insightfully precise. Susan found true love when she met her caring partner Lou Ward, who meticulously cared for her when her health started to decline - now they are together again. In short, Sue’s intentions always sprang from her heart. She was always smiling. Now that God has reclaimed her, we are sure her smile is bigger than ever! God bless her.”

She is survived by her son Corey Pinette of Berlin; grandchildren: Elijah Pinette, Skyla Placey, Jacob Parker; great grandchildren: Elliot and Haidyn; sister Sandra E. Armentrout and husband John of Bath, ME and brother Daniel P. Gauthier and partner Terri Voth of Berlin; an aunt Donna Wheelock; several nieces, a nephew, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brothers Dorman J. Gauthier and the Rev. Donald F. Gauthier, Jr., and her longtime partner Llewellyn Ward.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 12, 2025 at 10am at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin, NH with interment following at St. Kieran Cemetery, Berlin. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9-10am prior to the service. Those who wish may make donations in Susan's memory to Coos County Nursing Home Activities Fund, PO BOx 416, Berlin, NH 03570.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the wonderful care Sue received during her time at the nursing home. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.