Susan Blake Hood

Susan Blake Hood, 81, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died Sunday, March 8 surrounded by her family.Born in Salem, MA in 1933 to Richard Everett and Joan Chapman Blake, Sue grew up in Salem, and later Swampscott. She was a graduate of Northfield Mount Herman School and Mount Holyoke College and then went on to study nursing at Hartford Hospital. She met her husband, Ted Hood, at a dance at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead. After numerous proposal attempts, Sue finally said yes to Ted while anchored in Quisset Harbor. They were married on July 3, 1955. Sue was a wonderful mother, raising her four children with love and compassion, and organizing an often hectic household, as well as the many boats Ted owned to race or cruise with family. She quickly developed a love for life on the water and became a loyal crew member for Ted. Above all Sue epitomized the phrase "behind every great man theres a great woman". In the dedication to his biography (2005), Ted wrote: "She has been at my side for all these years, providing the foundation that allowed me to pursue my dreams and yet raise a wonderful family of four children at the same time. Thank you, Sue for your love and support for all these years. I could not have done it without you."Sue was a genuinely open and friendly person to those lucky enough to know her, and she was always the fun-loving and gracious host at frequent social events. She enjoyed tennis, gardening, needle work, spirited bridge groups and just spending time with friends. Sue was also a dedicated volunteer at Newport Hospital. She was also a deaconess at Old North Church in Marblehead. She is survived her children Richard Hood and wife Carroll McGrath Hood, Frederick Hood and wife Anne Vandromme-Hood, Robert Hood and wife Sarah Hood, and Nancy Hood-MacLeod and husband Norman MacLeod, and sisters Joanna Blake and Emily Blake. In addition, the deceased leaves eight grandchildren: Helen, Stedman, Alex, Alyssa, Heidi and Benjamin Hood, and Skyelar and Taylor MacLeod. She also leaves her loving caregiver and beloved friend Nancy Neronha. Her husband Ted Hood, and her sister Martha Harkness predeceased her.Burial will be private. A celebration of Sue's life will be held in Marblehead, MA later this spring. In expressing your sympathies, Sue would have wanted to support the efforts of the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island.