Susan Coggeshall King

Susan Coggeshall King of Portsmouth, died peacefully at home after a long illness on November 13, 2016 supported by the love of family, friends and caregivers. Susan had Middletown and Newport roots as the daughter of Frederick Coggeshall King and Virginia Vernon King, and as granddaughter of Dr. Hamilton Theodore King and Josephine Coggeshall King and Mr. and Mrs. George Edward Vernon. Those who knew Susan will remember her kindness, compassion, intelligence and wit. She was especially loved by her dearest friends and neighbors, her nephews, cousins, brother and sister-in-law. She frequently marveled at her good fortune in knowing so many kind and generous people. Most recently, Susan worked for the Newport Preservation Society at both The Elms and The Breakers, where she worked in the gifts shops and delighted in sharing her knowledge of Newport history, a passion she shared with her father, with out-of-state and foreign tourists. She regularly spoke of her fondness for her many colleagues. Prior to her work with the Preservation Society, Susan worked in an administrative role for Hodges Badges of Portsmouth. She started her career as a nurse's aide for the American Red Cross in Greenwich, Conn. Susan was a graduate of Rosemary Hall in Greenwich, and of Briarcliff College in New York. Susan was an active member of the Newport Garden Club, where she indulged her love for flower gardens, her community and her devoted friends. Susan is survived by her brother, William Vernon King of Seattle, Washington, and nephews Frederick Hamilton King of Seattle, George Parker King of Hailey, Idaho, and David Morison King of Charlestown, Mass. Susan now joins her nephew, the late Samuel Seabury King, of Salem, Mass. Her family wishes to thank Women and Infants Hospital, Newport Hospital, Coastal Medical, Inc., the VNS of Newport and Bristol Counties, and the caregivers who showed her extraordinary kindness in her final weeks. A memorial service for family, friends and colleagues will be held on Monday, November 21, at 11:00am, at St. Mary's Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth. It will be followed by an adjacent burial service and reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNS of Newport and Bristol Counties at www.vnsri.org. Cemetery Details St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard 324 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, 02871