SUSAN LORI (BLAISDELL)

CARROLL

South China – Susan Lori (Blaisdell) Carroll, 63, went to be with her father on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at her home in South China, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was surrounded by her husband of 38 years, Patrick Carroll, and loving family. Susan was born January 4, 1957, in Fort Fairfield, daughter of Robert B. Blaisdell and Yvette (Violette) Blaisdell. Susan attended Fort Fairfield schools and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Susan’s incredible work ethic was infused by her parents while growing up on a potato farm in Fort Fairfield, and was evident to all who knew or worked with her. Susan’s career began as a computer operator at Union Mutual Life in Portland, before accepting management positions at Interactive Data Processing in Waltham, MA, and Automatic Data Processing in Santa Clara, CA. Susan resigned her position at ADP to move to Japan with her husband and stepdaughter Amy, turning down a significant promotion to stay behind. Despite her love for her job, Susan’s love for adventure was greater. She made the best of her year in Tokyo – learning the language, the culture, the city, but especially the cuisine. After returning to California, Susan decided to refocus her work ethic and be a stay-at-home mom. On the birth of her daughter Laura Jean Carroll, the family decided to relocate to Maine for Laura’s formative years. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Susan had a big heart. She was very generous, and always helping others, especially family and friends. Susan eventually dedicated much of her time to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging/Meals on Wheels program, managing the budget, as well as planning and preparing meals for the elderly. Her efforts were rewarded daily by the personal contact she enjoyed so much while delivering the meals. Susan stayed active in this role until she was no longer able to drive. An avid reader, Susan often hosted a book club, comprised of friends, family, good books, and especially great food. Susan’s expertise in Southeast Asian cuisine was legendary in southern Maine for several years; she greatly enjoyed cooking and sharing with her family and many friends. Susan was also an animal lover. She raised Malamutes, and always had a dog and cat underfoot. Although she had little experience with horses, she delivered a mare about to be born breech. She rolled up her sleeves, did what she had to so, and delivered a healthy young horse. The owners named the horse “Susan’s Surprise”. While living in California, Susan was passionate about soccer, playing in a women’s league, and was a member of a South Bay Area championship team. She also played in a second league – on a co-ed team. Susan had no fear. Besides her husband, Susan is survived by her daughter Laura of Newport; her mother, Yvette Blaisdell; a stepson, Christopher Carroll of Hermon; sisters, Linda Davis of Portland, Diana Hopkins of Westbrook, Karen Sorgen of Jasper, GA, Robin DeMerchant of Windham, and Betsy Fechalos of Alpharetta GA; one brother, Robert W. Blaisdell of Connor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren. Susan was predeceased by her father Robert, stepdaughter Amy. A private ceremony of remembrance will be held in Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, if desired, be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. A service of Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.giberson-dorseyfuneralhome.com