MEREDITH---Suzanne "Sue" Mae (Buckley) Burrows, 71, of Meredith, passed away on July 19, 2026, surrounded by her family at Concord Hospital Laconia after a sudden illness and a long battle with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. An eternal optimist, Sue was a beacon of kindness and strength, inspiring everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born on June 17, 1955, in Spokane, Washington, while her father served in the Air Force, she was the daughter of Robert and Jeannette (Gaudet) Buckley. Raised in Meredith, she graduated in 1973 from Inter-Lakes High School, where she proudly contributed to a state championship field hockey team. After high school, she embarked on a twenty-year career with New England Telephone Company, retiring after her MS diagnosis.

Above all else, Sue's world revolved around the family she created with her husband, Jere Burrows, whom she spent 53 years with. She was a devoted mother to Jessica, Alicia, and Nat, serving as their biggest champion and embracing every accomplishment, great and small, with unwavering pride. Nothing brought her greater joy than her grandchildren; she adored them and cherished the moments spent creating lasting memories. Sue taught the importance of savoring life's simple pleasures-whether it was through the holiday tradition of baking cookies, trips to the beach, brightening someone's day with fresh-picked flowers, or sharing homemade rhubarb pie and warm bread. Sue found immense joy and peace in nature, whether it was watching plants grow, enjoying the birds visiting her bird feeder, or the gentle melodies of wind chimes.

As a baby boomer, Sue had an enduring passion for music and instilled that love in her children. Attending Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973 was a highlight for her. She left this world with Don McLean's "American Pie" and The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" playing, epitomizing her vibrant spirit. Sue also treasured friendships that spanned decades, enjoying travels to California to visit friends turned family, Monica and Rosie, where laughter, good food, and unforgettable memories were abundant. She kept in touch with and attended reunions with both high school friends and former co-workers from the phone company. A true lover of animals, she had many special cats and dogs over the years, with her sweet dog, Maki, bringing her great comfort in her final months.

Sue will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, thoughtfulness towards others, and incredible bravery in facing the challenges of living with MS.

Predeceased by her father, sister Kathy Buckley, and brother-in-law Buster Burrows, Sue is survived by her husband Jere; daughters Jessica Heald (Darrin) and Colonel Alicia Burrows (Allie); son Nathaniel Burrows; grandchildren Nathaniel, Charlotte, Gabriel, Samuel, Abigail, Eloise, Theia, Penn, and Sophie; mother Jeannette Buckley; brother David Buckley (Kelly); brother-in-law Geoff Burrows; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Sue's family expresses deep gratitude to the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association and the many caregivers, particularly Sara Edwards, Sue's dedicated caregiver for the past five years, who helped her remain at home.

A celebration of Sue's life is being planned for later in the summer. Details will be shared once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sue's memory to the Lakes Region VNA (186 Waukewan Street, #6023, Meredith, NH 03253) or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society New England Chapter (465 Waverly Oaks Road, Suite 202, Waltham, MA 02452).