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Susan Donovan (Hollister) Carey
In late October of 2020 Susan left us too soon. After a two year fight with cancer, she died peacefully at home with family. Susan's determination to experience every momement of life, despite being told there would be very few, allowed many family and friends to be with her and experience together all of the qualities that made us love her so much.
Susan is survived by her husband Paul and her step children Clare and George. She leaves her father Bill and stepmom Deborah, her twin brother Craig, sisters Jen, Amy, Megan, Hannah and Emily, and brothers Scott and Reid. She is preceeded in death by her mother Roberta and brother Ted.
Susan's intellect was bested only by her emotional intelligence. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be with her in her last days were amazed at the quality of the people Susan attracted and kept close from every stage of her life. This combination of IQ and EQ gave Susan what seemed at times almost a sixth sense of what those around her needed, and the ability to provide just that at the moment it was required. It was this power in combination with her empathy, grace, sense of humor and adventurous spirit which attracted this incredible group of people. Once in her orbit, the genuine rarity of this combination kept us by her side because once experienced, you don't ever want to be without it. And that is why losing Susan is so profound for us all.
A memorial service has not yet been held but is being planned. It will likely occur mid to late next year. This is unfortunate but necessary given the restrictions on travel and gatherings as a result of Coronavirus.
Susan's family wishes to thank the dozens of people who made her final days a celebration of her life. Those who made the trip to Susan's home despite the virus risks, the FaceTime calls, the zoom parties, the flowers, food, cards, emails, text messages, kids drawings, homemade bracelets, and even making possible the visit by the baby goat for Susan to cuddle. All of these made her final months a tribute to all she meant to us, and which she was able to experience. This time, despite knowing it would inevitably lead to her departure, truly was a gift for Susan and for all of us. It was filled with joy, laughter, tears, sorrow, amazing food (thank you Craig!), wine, cocktails, stories and the inevitable pain of saying goodbye.
We are all poorer in a universal sense without Susan. We will miss her, love her and have her in our hearts and minds forever.
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Tributes
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Julie Leverenz
Susan will be missed by everyone that knew her. She was a vibrant and beautiful person that was well respected and full of life. She was very intelligent and had a great sense of humor that made others laugh. I know that she will be missed and pray that she will now rest in peace. ❤️❤️
Paul Dinardo
I last saw Susan in New York a few years ago. We'd become friends at VERITAS years earlier and, like all her friends, loved her for, among other things, her sunny disposition coupled with a sly sense of humor. That sense of humor was on full display at lunch that day. I commented on her shiny new (to me) ring and got the full update on Paul and newly married life. I mentioned how I now assumed I'd dropped in the rankings to being her second-favorite "Paul". She looked at me, looked up and made a show of counting silently on her fingers. I stopped her midway through her other hand. The world is less sunny and fun without her and I regret I'll never get the chance to FaceTime her from Positano; but I'll always be grateful to have been her friend. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Gowri
I am so sad to hear this news. Susan was always so kind during our time at Veritas and afterwards. I am so sorry for your loss!
Jenn Lawson
Susan Hollister....what a class act and the definition of a lady. She oozed elegance and sophistication from all of her world travels and life experience. Yet, she was so authentic, genuine, and easy to both talk and connect to. I met her a few years back in Vegas when she was our client at Netapp. The first night we met, we closed down the restaurant and exchanged stories about life and love. She taught me so much about how to value myself particularly in a romantic partnership. Her lessons revolved around Paul and the way he always treated her like a "prize." I could go and on about how the beauty of Susan on the exterior was only surpassed by who she was as a person on the inside. Smart, quick witted, astute, sharp, amazing taste, generous, and compassionate. Crazily enough, Susan's reach was wide. In fact last night, she was in my dream and we were renting a vacation beach house together. She had reached out to the renter on behalf of us and wanted to be sure she locked in the rate/date and asked them to get in touch before "she left." It was cryptic in the dream but the renter said she wanted the smallest of the bedroom and to give me the master and I could invite whatever friends I wanted to join. The dream ended there because I didn't know where she was going or why she left. But of course, even in her dream she was selfless and generous. This morning I woke up to visit her facebook page and browse her photos only to discover today is in fact her birthday. What a lovely dream and so fitting to visit on HER birthday. I think of Susan often and how she departed this world far too early. Paul I wish you and your family peace today and during this holiday season. I can only imagine how painful these days are to endure without the light of Susan by your sides. Sending much love!
Craig Donovan
Best beach buddy ever! We always loved this photo in Hawaii on holiday with our family. So many memories of Susan, words cannot express the loss. She made me a better person, and seeing her excitement and happiness with her husband Paul and having a family with Clare, George and Paul along with her In-laws and “out-laws” (fellow extended family), Susan’s dreams and prayers were answered. It was simply too short of time. She had the ability to touch so manly people hearts and her elegant style and kind words always set a standard for others to follow.
Brentleybeerline
Susan and I worked very closely at Veritas for about two years. As a result we spent many hours together. Her sense of humor and intelligence is something that I will miss and I will cherish all of the lunches, meetings and office discussions that we shared. We would frequently have lunch outside at the Veritas Cafe and I would here all about her travels and got a real education on the value of accessories to peoples clothing choices. I am deeply saddened by her passing but am a better person for all of the time I spent with her and will cherish those memories forever. From my family to her immediate and extended family wish to offer my condolences.
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