GORHAM — Susan Dennen Traill passed away on Dec. 24, 2011, at her home in Gorham after a brief illness.

She was born on May 4, 1920, in Cambridge, Mass., to the Rev. Ernest Joseph Dennen and Anna Blake Hayden Dennen. She graduated in 1939 from The Windsor School in Boston, and was a member of the Class of 1943 at Smith College.

Susan, fondly referred to as Susie by many, was a caring, thoughtful, sometimes stubborn, but fiercely independent, woman. Her independence was evident early in a cross-country car trip she took with a school friend in the early 1940s, and later in life in the numerous twice-a-week trips to St. Joseph’s College to swim; an activity she took part in and drove herself to until her 90th birthday. This adventuresome spirit was with her throughout her life. She was a natural athlete, enjoying softball in school and swimming, downhill and cross-country skiing. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, even when it was difficult.

A large part of Susie’s life was spent on the shores of Sebago Lake at Camp O-At-Ka, a nonprofit boys’ camp that her father founded in 1906. Throughout her life, Camp was a place that was very near and dear to her heart as she served on the board of directors and always actively participated in camp events. It was here that she met her husband, Frederick B. Traill Jr. In 1942 they married, and upon Fred’s return from serving in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater in 1945, they built their own summer home next to Camp in 1953.

Susie was an accomplished homemaker at each of their homes, over the years moving from Wilbraham, Mass., to Wretham, Mass. and then to Windham in 1962.

In 1970, Susie and Fred settled in Otisfield, farming and raising sheep and stayed until 2003, at which point they moved to Gorham where she has been living since.

Although Susie never worked outside of the home, she was a very active volunteer. She was a volunteer at Maine Medical Center for 48 years and a member of the Women’s Board of Maine General Hospital, now MMC, since 1967. She was proud of her service as a volunteer and logged over 5,800 hours.
Susan was aware of all the milestones and events in the lives of family and friends of all ages and she cared deeply about them. She was the consummate hostess and was loving, encouraging and supportive of all. She was the matriarch of an extended family and a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, as well as a favorite aunt, great-aunt and great-great aunt to many; all of who will dearly miss this truly remarkable lady.

Susan was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2007.

She is survived by her sons Peter Traill, John Traill of Waterford and Duncan Traill of Otisfield; her three grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

A memorial service will be held at Camp O-At-Ka in the late spring on a date to be announced. Arrangements are by the Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham.

Donations may be made to: The Fred & Susie Traill Campership Endowment Fund at Camp O-At-Ka, P.O. Box 239, Sebago, ME 04029.