Susan Bell (Wilson) Durham

Susan Bell Durham (née Wilson) age 84 of Hollis NH passed away October 29th, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born November 15,1940 in Portsmouth VA, a daughter of the late Captain JCG Wilson USN and Irene (Jones) Wilson.

A gardener, naturalist, conservationist and longtime member of the Unitarian Universal Congregation of Milford, Susan was a fixture in the Hollis NH community. She represented Hollis for 8 years in the NH legislature and for many years served on the town’s School, Planning and Zoning Boards. She was also an active member of the Friends of the Hollis Social Library and the Hollis Garden and Hollis Women’s clubs for decades. Perhaps her most steadfast enthusiasm was for the Beaver Brook Association, having been a member for almost 50 years including time spent serving on the Board of Trustees. Susan enjoyed sewing/quilting and embroidery, making many gifts for family members, friends and church craft fairs. An avid reader, she loved to engage and discuss whatever book she was reading and looked forward to her next book club meeting. She also enjoyed playing bridge at least once or twice a week and Saturdays in the fall were her time to watch college football. Win or lose it was always Go Navy!

Susan was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Frank Durham, and one sister, Judy Reynard. She is survived by 4 children Kimberly Durham (Bob Stewart), Alison Brown (Charlie), Beth Pinksten and George (Terri) Durham. Additionally her memory will live on through her sister Dee Lyon, brothers John and James Wilson, 8 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews and numerous friends who will remember her kind, generous spirit and infectious laugh.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held November 7th at 11:00 am at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford, NH. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Susan with a donation to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford NH, the Beaver Brook Association or Community Hospice House of Merrimack.