Susan Tobey White Obituary, Death”, Renowned Artist and Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother from Belfast, ME, Dies Peacefully at Home After a Courageous Battle with Pancreatic Cancer: A Legacy of Artistic Brilliance, Compassion, and Family Devotion Remembered
Susan Tobey White, a beloved artist, wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Belfast, Maine community, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024, at the age of 67, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family in her own home. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, a disease that she fought with grace, determination, and strength, Susan’s light was extinguished, but her legacy of art, compassion, and family devotion will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
Born on May 16, 1957, Susan grew up in a small, close-knit town in Maine, where she developed a deep connection to her surroundings, a love for creativity, and a profound appreciation for the natural beauty that would later come to influence her artistic style. As a child, she found solace and expression in the world of art. Encouraged by her family and teachers, she pursued her passion and showed an early talent for painting, drawing, and sculpture. Her artistic inclinations were more than a hobby; they were an intrinsic part of who she was, and this artistic spirit would define her path throughout her life.
Susan attended the University of Maine, where she earned her degree in Fine Arts. It was during these formative years that she began to refine her craft, drawing inspiration from the picturesque landscapes of New England and the vibrant culture of her community. Her unique approach to art was a reflection of her deep connection to her surroundings and her ability to capture the spirit of her subjects in a way that resonated with people from all walks of life. Her early work focused on capturing the beauty of everyday moments, finding inspiration in the natural world, and exploring themes of family, love, and resilience.
After graduating from college, Susan married her high school sweetheart, David White, in 1980. The couple settled in Belfast, Maine, where they built a life centered on love, family, and community. Together, they raised two children, Sarah and Ethan, whom Susan adored and nurtured with the same dedication and care that she poured into her art. She was a devoted mother, always present for her children and deeply involved in their lives. Whether it was helping with school projects, cheering them on at sports games, or simply spending time together at the dinner table, Susan cherished every moment with her family. Her home was a warm, welcoming space filled with love, creativity, and laughter, a place where her children felt safe and supported.
In addition to her role as a wife and mother, Susan was a passionate advocate for the arts. She opened her own art gallery in Belfast, where she displayed her work and the work of other local artists. The gallery quickly became a beloved institution in the community, a place where people could come to appreciate the beauty of art and engage in meaningful conversations about creativity and expression. Susan’s gallery was more than just a space for displaying paintings—it was a hub of activity, a place where artists, collectors, and art lovers could come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate the power of art to inspire and heal.
Over the years, Susan’s art gained widespread recognition, not only in Maine but also beyond. Her signature style, characterized by its vibrant use of color and its ability to capture the essence of her subjects, earned her numerous awards and accolades. She became known for her depictions of coastal landscapes, seascapes, and scenes from everyday life, all of which were imbued with a sense of warmth, movement, and emotion. Her paintings were celebrated for their ability to evoke feelings of joy, peace, and nostalgia, and they resonated deeply with those who viewed them. Susan’s work was featured in galleries across the country, and she became a sought-after artist for collectors who appreciated the authenticity and heart that she brought to each piece.
Despite her success, Susan remained humble and grounded, always more concerned with the impact her work had on others than with accolades or recognition. She believed that art was a way to connect with people, to tell stories, and to bring beauty into the world. Her approach to her craft was deeply personal, and she often spoke about the importance of staying true to one’s vision and creating from a place of honesty and vulnerability. Her openness and willingness to share her creative process with others made her a beloved figure in the artistic community, and her influence extended far beyond the canvas.
In 2021, Susan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was a devastating blow to her family, friends, and the community that adored her. But true to her nature, Susan faced her illness with incredible bravery and a determination to continue living her life to the fullest. She continued to paint, even as the treatments took their toll on her body, finding solace and strength in her art. Her work during this time took on a new depth, as she used her creative expression as a way to process her emotions, reflect on her journey, and find peace amidst the uncertainty. Her later works, many of which dealt with themes of resilience, healing, and hope, were deeply moving and resonated with those who had followed her career for years.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Susan was supported by her devoted husband, David, who was her rock and constant companion. Together, they navigated the difficult path of treatments, surgeries, and hospital visits, all while continuing to find joy in the moments they shared. Whether it was a quiet evening at home, a walk along the coast, or simply sitting together in the garden, Susan and David found strength in their love for one another. Their bond was unbreakable, and their love story was a testament to the power of partnership, commitment, and devotion.
Susan’s children, Sarah and Ethan, were also a source of great strength for her during her illness. They rallied around their mother, providing emotional support, care, and love as she fought her battle with cancer. Susan’s relationship with her children was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she took immense pride in the people they had become. Her influence on their lives was profound, and they will carry forward her legacy of kindness, compassion, and creativity in all that they do.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Susan’s gallery in Belfast will host a final viewing in her honor from noon until 4:00 p.m. This event will be a celebration of Susan’s life and her incredible contributions to the world of art. Friends, family, and members of the community are invited to come together to reflect on the beauty and joy that Susan brought into their lives, both through her artwork and her presence. The gallery, which was such an important part of Susan’s life, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this gathering, as her paintings, sculptures, and other creations will stand as a testament to the talent, passion, and love she poured into her work.
As those who knew Susan come together to remember her, they will do so with a deep sense of gratitude for the time they had with her. Susan’s life was one filled with beauty, love, and meaning, and her impact on the world will continue to be felt for generations to come. Her artwork, which has brought so much joy and inspiration to so many, will remain a lasting legacy, a reminder of the incredible woman she was. But beyond her artistic achievements, it is the memories of Susan’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends that will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
The Tobey White family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, an organization dedicated to funding research and supporting patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time and would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out with words of comfort, shared memories of Susan, and offered their condolences.
As Susan’s family, friends, and the artistic community come to terms with her passing, they are comforted by the knowledge that her spirit will continue to live on through her artwork and the many lives she touched. Her legacy is one of creativity, love, and resilience, and her memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew her.
