Sue Wirtanen

Sandown – Sue Hirst (Dary) Wirtanen, 77, of Sandown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Warren Wirtanen. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 30, 1948, Sue was the daughter of the late Alan and Charlotte (Hirst) Dary. Sue and Warren began an epic fifty-eight year love story eloping in South Carolina at the tender ages of eighteen and nineteen. They did everything together, each drawing from the other’s hopes and desires. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. As they embraced retirement, they had a weekly ritual of going to the movies, eating lots of popcorn, and enjoying at least some of the drinks. Sue and Warren were an inspiration to all who knew them. Sue was born to be a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She adored watching sporting events, school visits, coffee chats, phone calls, shopping trips, dressing up, and getting ready for the holidays. If there was an excuse to get everyone together, Sue encouraged it. She had the ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved. Sue was a Born Again Christian who accepted the Lord into her heart while in her twenties. She built upon her faith by being an active member of her church, running bible studies, and graduating from Bible College. She was elected President of the Women’s Aglow International Maine Chapter. She was in Kenya completing missionary work with Grace Ministries International during the Embassy bombing in 1998. Her actions spoke volumes to her not so hidden talents. A naturally shy woman, she grew to become a public speaker. She nurtured many women in their time of need. Sue had an energy that didn’t wane, and made time when time was not available. She offered a kind word when it wasn’t expected. If you needed a home, she made up a bed for you. If you needed a hug, she gave the most incredible embraces. Sue was loved by everyone in her life. All of us are better people just from knowing her. In addition to her husband, Sue is survived by her children, Michael Wirtanen and his loving companion Michelle Siudut of Sandown, Michelle Ingraham and her husband Philip of North Yarmouth, ME, and Lori Aceto and her husband Guido of Forked River, NJ. She is also survived by her siblings, Jim Dary and his wife Sandra of Hampton, Toni Kenna and her husband Bruce of Seabrook, Alan Dary of Seabrook, as well as 8 grandchildren, Nicholas, Robert, Jacob, Matti, Sarah, Benjamin, Marina, and Casey. She is also survived by her great grandson, Hunter and many loving nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Sue for a period of visitation on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842. A memorial service will take place immediately following the visitation in the funeral home at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sue’s memory to: Grace Ministries International of Brentwood by clicking here 263 Route 125 Brentwood, New Hampshire 03833 or the American Alzheimer’s Association.

Sue Wirtanen

January 30, 1948 - June 11, 2025