Susan Merrill Davis, age 86, of Windham, Maine, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. It is with sadness we share the passing of a kind and gentle soul.

Susan was born on December 10th, 1938, in Portland, Maine, and graduated from Portland High School in 1956. She later attended Arizona State University where she earned a degree in Special Education. Susan went on to teach elementary school in both Arizona and Maine, touching the lives of many young students with her kindness and patience.

Susan’s faith was important to her and gave her great comfort. She chose the Episcopal Church as a teenager and remained a devoted member throughout her life. 

Susan had an enormous capacity for love. She loved and was loved by everyone she met. There may not be a person in the world who said “I love you” more than she did. Her many friends can attest to that. Susan's family was her priority, and she was proud of each and every one of her family members. Her joy came from connections, not possessions.

As a child, Susan delighted in life’s small joys like making donuts with her mother, hanging May baskets on neighbors’ doors, and riding horses as a member of the Equestrian Club at Portland High School. Her love of tradition and simple pleasures followed her throughout her life. She took pride in wearing a pretty dress and jewelry. She loved to have her nails painted and always wore lipstick. Lipstick was a must, even on her last days. 

Susan was an avid letter writer, sending and receiving notes up until her final months, when writing became too difficult. She had corresponded with her best friend, Rufina, for over 60 years. In her younger years, she often tucked a handkerchief into each envelope as a sign of endearment. It saddened her to see the art of letter writing fade. She especially enjoyed writing letters with her granddaughter Samantha, passing on the tradition with love.

Her nephew Brandon gave her the lifelong nickname ‘Oof’ when he was two because he was unable to pronounce ‘Sue.’ She was known as Oof to close family and friends. Younger family members only ever knew her as Oof. 

Susan made people laugh with her wit and charm. She had a famous sense of humor, the kind that made one roll the eyes and laugh at the same time. She was known for her playful wordplay and silly sayings, like “Be careful when you open the medicine cabinet, the aspirin are bare.” She loved singing playful songs like Mairzy Doats, Tell Me a Story, and A You’re Adorable to her daughter Heidi. She would say, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a tickle on the neck,” or “I don’t like you… I love you.” On her last conscious day, she softly sang You Are My Sunshine with her sister Nancy, a final moment of comfort summing up her tender, sweet spirit. 

Susan is survived by daughter Heidi Davis Perry of Mission Viejo, California; three granddaughters Samantha Teti, Sydney Teti, and Scarlett Walker of California; sister Nancy Shaw of Windham, Maine; and her nephews Brandon Shaw of Westbrook, Maine, and Adie Shaw of Windham, Maine. Susan was predeceased by husband Earl G. Davis, mother Frances T. Lord, father Chesterfield Merrill, and sister Sarah Reichart. 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2025. Heartfelt thanks go to caretakers Donna and Brandon and Hospice nurse Kathy who so aptly put it, “Grief is the price of love.”

And, Oof, we checked. They have lipstick in heaven.