Expert on antique dolls who operated Sue’s Doll Hospital

 

BELFAST, Maine — Susanne Griffith Wilson of Belfast, Maine died February 1, 2024 at Sussman House after a long illness.

Susanne was born September 8, 1934 in Stoneham, Massachusetts and grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Horace and Marjorie (Hayward) Griffith and sister of Martin Griffith.

She graduated from Reading High School and married the love of her life Donald E. Foster. Donald had enlisted in the Navy and soon after their marriage they embarked on their many years of Navy life together.

Donald retired from the Navy in 1972 and they moved to Waldoboro, Maine.

Sue loved everything to do with antique dolls, learned how to make and repair them and opened Sue’s Doll Hospital in Waldoboro Maine.  After Donald and Susanne divorced she moved up the coast to Stockton Springs, Maine.

She married two more times and moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia for a few years. She learned to weave baskets and was just as talented at her weaving as she was at her doll making.

Susanne made her way back to Belfast after her divorces and took over ownership of The Chocolate Drop Candy Shoppe from her son Paul and daughter-in-law Sally Foster.  She ran the business for 15 years. After she retired she said one of the things she would miss the most were the kids she watched grow up.

Susanne was predeceased by her parents,, Horace and Marjorie Griffith, brother, Martin Griffith, and her young son Wayne Foster.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Donald Foster, Ross Varney, and Ken Wilson.

Susanne is survived by her daughter Emma Finn of Berthoud, Colorado; her son Paul Foster and his wife Jin of Killeen, Texas; her daughter Pam Colson and her husband Ralph of Belfast, Maine; and her son Scott Foster of Colorado Springs, Colorado as well as her former daughter-in-law Sally Foster of Belfast, Maine.

She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Susanne will be fondly remembered by her dearest friend Lorraine Doucette of Belfast, Maine. Friends for years, they shared many adventures together.

She is also lovingly remembered by her childhood friends Pauline and Gordon Hall of North Reading, Massachusetts.

The family will hold a private gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name to Sussman House, 40 Anchor Dr., Rockport, Maine 04856.