Susan Kay (Laird) Humphrey, age 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Allen Brook Memory Care home in Williston, VT, surrounded by love and memories.

Born April 20, 1950, in Burlington, VT, daughter of Albert and Kathleen (Ritchie) Laird, Sue grew up in Essex Junction - where her family ran the K&A Variety Store - alongside her three siblings Victor, Albert, and Mary (Molly). After marrying Gene Humphrey in 1968, his military service and family brought them to Wyoming, Texas, and New Mexico, but her heart always remained in Vermont. She eventually returned to Vermont for good,where she raised her two children as a single mother and built a life steeped in love, creativity, and connection.

Sue worked many years at I.B.M., where she met her longtime partner Robert Gokey. Although the relationship ended, she nurtured a blended family full of lasting bonds. Later, she worked with people with disabilities through the Howard Center, connecting with people through empathy and respect.

A woman of many talents and endless curiosity, Sue had a creative soul and an artist's eye. She painted landscapes that reflected not just the world she saw, but the emotions and memories tied to the places and people she loved. Her green thumb was legendary – flowers and plants flourished under her care. She created fun Halloween costumes, crocheted blankets, crafted many projects- even took the time to learn the accordion and keyboard just for fun. Incredibly smart – she seemed to know a little bit about everything, had an independent spirit, and her humor was a gift to those who knew her.

In her later years, Sue found special companionship among the residents of the Mountain View community in Fairfax. During warm afternoons they could be found in the gazebo – swapping stories and sharing laughter. The group of friends took care of each other, sharing food and watching out for one another.

Not religious in the traditional sense, Sue was deeply spiritual and held a quiet belief in the strength and support of prayer. Her faith, though personal and uniquely her own, was a steady source of comfort throughout her life.

Sue is survived by her son Gene Humphrey and daughter-in-law Erika(McLenithan); daughter Katie Humphrey and partner Joe Merrill; her chosen daughters Jessica Gokey, and Theresa Muir (Gokey) with husband Mike; her cherished granddaughters Megan and Alyson and grandsons Jackson and Lucas; brother Victor and sister-in-law Bet (Shangraw); her sister Mary (Molly) and brother-in-law Seymour Prescott; and sister-in-law Judy Laird (Trombley). She also held very close in her heart her nieces and nephews: Charlotte (Cal) and husband Kevin, Laura and husband Marc, Dia and husband Matt, Albert, Orianna and partner Kevin, and Josh and wife Liz; as well as great nieces and nephews Avalon, Siobahn, Keelin, Charlie, Sarah, Anna, Quint, and Callan. She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Kathleen Laird, and brother Albert (Bert) Laird.

There are many more dear friends, extended family and kindred spirits whose names may not be listed here but who held a special place in Sue's heart. Their presence in her life, and hers in theirs, is deeply valued and fondly remembered.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Allen Brook Memory Care in Williston, VT, for their kindness, compassion, and care during her time there.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Milton Grange. All who can come are welcome. Please feel free to share a memory you have of Sue!