Susan Holmes Obituary

Susan Jean Holmes (Fusaro), affectionately known as "Sue," passed away peacefully at the age of 61 on June 28th, 2025, in New London, Connecticut, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Sue was born on August 1, 1963, in Westerly, Rhode Island, to George and Dorothy Fusaro. She was raised in a quiet Ledyard, Connecticut neighborhood alongside her two older sisters, Dawn Talbot and Kathy Mickibben. A proud graduate of Ledyard High School, Class of 1981, Sue ran track and enjoyed an active youth.

On August 4, 1984, she married Arnold "Dex" Holmes, in Groton, Connecticut. Susan supported Dex through seven military patrols while he was active duty in the United States Navy, as well as numerous career changes that included extensive travel. Sue was a faithful and loyal wife and with that dedication spanned a marriage of 41 years. Together, she and Dex welcomed their son Jeremy in 1985, followed by their daughter, and her namesake, Rachelle Sue, in 1987.

Sue's heart was forever changed by the loss of her beloved son Jeremy in 2004, and we take comfort and knowing that they are reunited again in all of heaven's glory.

In 1994, Sue and Dex built a home in the countryside of Canterbury, Connecticut, where Sue kept a small horse stable. She loved fishing, hiking, walking and riding horses. She greatly enjoyed Jane Austen movies, her favorite being Pride and prejudice. She was an avid reader and bird watcher. She also loved playing card games like spades which she played daily for years. One of her favorite things to do though, was to hang out with her sisters and drink coffee. She was an incredibly hard worker, with a strong and steady presence both at home and in her career-first as a carpenter at Electric Boat and later during 15 dedicated years at International Paper. She was an example of perseverance and work ethic to all who knew her.

Sue had a deep love for animals and took great joy in caring for her dogs, Hank and Darcy, and her cherished horses. Her gentle spirit and compassion for animals lives on in her daughter and grandchildren. We can only imagine the joyous welcome she received at the gates of heaven, greeted by wagging tails and stomping hooves.

She will be remembered for her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and her feisty sense of humor. Sue and Dex were known for their dancing and boy, did she love to dance! Sue loved to drive with the windows down, blasting her favorite song, Don't Bring Me Down by Electric Light Orchestra. Her favorite band was Creedence Clearwater Revival and the song dedicated to their marriage, Faithfully by Journey.

Above all, Sue was a woman of God-a devout Christian who loved the Lord deeply. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now home, embraced by our Lord.

Sue is survived by her loving husband Dex, her daughter Rachelle Davison, and her three cherished grandsons: Mason, Luca, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her sisters, Dawn Talbot and Kathy Mickibben, her brother-in-law Norman Talbot, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Dorothy, her son Jeremy, and her brother-in-law Jeff Mickibben.

Susan will be remembered for her strength and her spirit. May the memory of her laughter on horseback with her daughter, her hugs with her son, and quiet moments fishing with her husband live on in the hearts of those who will never forget her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time.