Obituary: Susanne Purdy
Susanne Purdy, 65, of Bath, Maine, Dies After a Life of Service and Love
Bath, Maine — Susanne Purdy, a beloved longtime resident of Bath, died peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the age of 65. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted school secretary, Purdy’s passing leaves a quiet void in her community and in the hearts of her family.
Born in Bath to Marjorie and Charles Bartlett, Susanne grew up in the town’s public schools and graduated from Morse High School in 1961. She treasured family gatherings in Boston, Massachusetts, and enjoyed frequent trips to the family cottage in Ipswich, Massachusetts, where she spent many afternoons with her relatives.
Susanne and her husband, Ronald Purdy, were married for 47 years. The couple’s home has been a gathering place for relatives and friends for decades. Their daughter, Marcia, and son‑in‑law Tim Gustafson, both of Bath, survive her, along with their son Kyle Gustafson, who resides in Fairfield. Kyle’s son, Felix, and Susanne’s granddaughter, Kelci Adams, of Bath, along with her husband Tyler and their son Weston, are also her survivors. The family has said that the presence of her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren brought her immense joy throughout her life.
For almost three decades, Purdy served the Bath School Department as a secretary at all four elementary schools, from 1977 until her retirement in 2006. Her colleagues and students remembered her as a kind, dedicated, and warm presence who made the daily rhythm of the schools smoother and more welcoming. After retirement, she turned to traveling, reading, and spending time with family, especially the younger generations who adored her.
“Susanne was the heart of our family and the school community,” said a former teacher who worked alongside her. “Her kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met.”
Purdy had no funeral services in accordance with her wishes. Instead, family and friends are encouraged to honor her memory in personal ways, celebrating the life she lived and the love she shared. Those wishing to share condolences are invited to visit the Desmond Funeral Homes website at https://www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
Susanne Purdy’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched through her dedication to education, her unwavering support for her family, and her warm, inviting spirit. She will be remembered as a pillar of the Bath community and a beloved grandmother who brought joy to all who knew her.
