Susan Moffat Davidson  of Hanover, died unexpectedly at home on January 24th. Earlier that day, Susan had practiced her flute and taken a riding lesson on her horse, Pep. A memorial service is being planned for the spring.

Susan, the daughter of the late Grace M. and Sidney W. Davidson, was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 18th, 1946. The eldest of five children, Susan grew up in Bedford, NY, graduating from the Bedford Rippowam School, Milton Academy and Wheaton College. After a career in banking which included several overseas assignments, Susan lived and worked for banks in Los Angeles and New York before moving to Hanover in 1989.

While working for local companies, Tally Systems and TeleAtlas , Susan engaged fully in the life of the Upper Valley. She served on the board of Opera North and for more than ten years held board leadership positions at Crafts Studies in Hanover. For many years, Susan mentored small business owners as a SCORE counsellor. She often spoke to friends and family of her admiration for people who had the courage to break out on their own with little more than a strong work ethic and a dream of starting their own business.

Ever curious about the world around her, Susan often attended exhibitions, talks and concerts, loving to share with others what she found most interesting. She enjoyed taking Osher courses in history, music and religion. Reading two or three books simultaneously, Susan was always adding books to her list for future reading.

For many years, Susan provided a short-term home to doctors from developing countries who were receiving additional training through Dartmouth Medical Center. She welcomed the young doctors, from such countries as Senegal, Haiti, Lebanon and most recently, Jordan, with warmth and with her trademark generosity. In her quiet way, Susan provided the opportunity for conversation and two-way learning. It was not unusual for Susan to put aside her own plans to act as both tour guide and shipping agent for these visitors.

At the age of nearly 60, Susan took up horseback riding and enjoyed it right through the afternoon of her death. For 18 years she embraced the discipline of learning the sport while relishing the caring bond formed with both her horses and with the other riders at the barn.

Susan’s friendships lasted a lifetime. Her best friends from elementary school, high school and college remained close throughout her life. In each case, Susan fit seamlessly in with her friends’ spouses and children and was embraced as a member of their extended family. As she did with her own family, Susan always made the effort to be present for the family milestones celebrated by her friends. She is remembered both by her family and by her friends for her uncanny thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit.

Susan is deeply missed by her surviving four siblings: Mary B. Davidson, Sidney (Tres) W. Davidson III, Anne D. Hardy (David), and Sarah D. O’leary (Sean) and by niece, Kaleigh O’Leary and nephew, Treat Hardy.

Susan was generous to many causes, particularly those that supported the environment and threatened animals.

If so moved, please consider a contribution in Susan’s memory to an organization of your choice.

All are warmly invited to a Memorial service to Celebrate the life of Susan M. Davidson planned for 3PM on Saturday, April 27th at the Norwich Congregational Church, Norwich, Vermont and to the reception immediately following the service.

 

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