Sue Kathleen Gillen, 78, formerly of Johnson and Morrisville, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on September 22, 2025 at Barre Gardens in Barre, VT.

Sue was born on October 21, 1946 to Norbert R. Gillen and Emily Hinds Gillen. She was their only child.

Years after Sue's father passed away, her mother remarried. Sue's stepfather, Chester Benway, was very good to Sue, and she had fond memories of him and loved him very much.

Sue attended Lamoille Day Services (Out and About) for over 25 years. There, she enjoyed playing bingo, card games, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and any type of arts and crafts.

Christmas was her favorite holiday. She dressed up as an elf with the shoes, hat, and attire to give out gifts from the tree at Out and About – something she looked forward to each year.

On January 2, 2024, Sue became a resident of Barre Gardens Nursing Home. She loved moving into her forever home. The daily activities there are where she thrived. All the games and activities were right in her wheelhouse. She pitched in and helped other residents play bingo and cards.

Sue loved dogs, especially Nugent and Piper. She also loved the cats, birds, and squirrels that crossed through her yard. She loved fresh tomatoes and flowers and grew them on her porch in Morrisville, with some help.

Sue was a joy to behold, for those lucky enough to have had her in their lives. She will be truly missed. You are not forgotten loved one. Nor will you ever be. As long as life and memory last, we will remember thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore. As time goes by we'll miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your vacant place.

Sue is survived by her special cousins. She held a place in her heart for each one: Judy Gillen Beard and family, Pamela Leach (Ken) Locke and family, all of Johnson; Bruce (Susan) Bartlett and family, Bill (Joyce) Bartlett and family, Bob (Diane) Bartlett and family, all of St. Petersburg, FL. Don (Melissa) Gillen and family of Johnson; the four Wells Girls (you know who they are); and Chelsea and Kyle Maskell of Wolcott.

She is also survived by her guardian, caretaker, and best friend of 25 years, Pamela (Kurt and Nugent) Hammel, of Wolcott; Dearest friends, Pauline Dodge of Morrisville and Gibby (Charlie and Piper) Barry of Prescott, AZ.

Sue was predeceased by her parents and stepfather; her favorite aunt and namesake, Kathleen "Kay" Bartlett, formerly of St. Petersburg, FL; her cousin, Jimmy Gillen, formerly of Johnson; and her cousin, Patty Gillen Wells Bourgault, formerly of Ocala, FL.

There will be a service for Sue on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 11:00 at the United Church of Johnson, Main St., Johnson. A light luncheon will be served immediately following the service. A graveside burial will take place at 1:30 at the Eden cemetery, also known as Eden Corner Cemetery, located on Cemetery Rd. off Rt. 100 in Eden, VT.

A huge thank you to Johnson Firefighters: Gordie Smith, Gidget Nolan Dodge, Brian Boyden, and Craig Carpenter for serving as pall bearers at the grave site. Thank you to Captain Will Jennison for making it happen. Sue held a special place in her heart for the Johnson Fire Dept. and Water Rescue Team.

Donations would be appreciated to the United Church of Johnson, 100 Main Street, Johnson, VT 05656, where Sue has been a member for most of her life. Donations may also be made to the Johnson Fire Dept. and Water Rescue Team.

Lamoille Funeral Home, 853 Brooklyn St., Morrisville, is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences are welcomed at www.vtfuneralhomes.com.