Susan Kay Holman, 79, of Rochester, N.H., died Sunday morning, Feb. 26, in her sleep.

Born in Philadelphia on Aug. 2, 1937, Susan was the daughter of Charles and Mildred (Bates) Smith.

After graduating from high school, Susan relocated to California and married U.S. Navy sailor Jim Holman.

The family moved to Whidbey Island, Wash., where they resided for more than 40 years.

Susan was an active homemaker, raising her four children and volunteering at the local Catholic church and nursing home.

In 1985, Susan returned to school and completed a drug/alcohol treatment certificate from Seattle University.

She worked as a substance abuse counselor and started/ran her own business, Island Assessment and Counseling.

The Holmans moved to Rochester in May of 2004, where Susan was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church. She enjoyed attending activities through the church and spending time with her friends throughout the area.

She was gregarious, funny, kind, compassionate and a generous mother, (great) grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed by friends and family, both locally and across the country.

Susan is survived by her four children: Stephen J. Holman, Kathleen M. Konopik, Matthew J. Holman and Christine L. Holman (and their spouses), as well as by 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Burial, following cremation, will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.