Suzanne Wilder Carpenter, 83, of Vero Beach, died Saturday, July 13, 2019, at VNA Hospice House.

She was born on July 7, 1936, in Hartshorne, OK to Horace Wilder and Opal Hunter.  She was raised by her much-loved Grandmother, Nora Hunter. Suzanne graduated from Hartshorne Highschool in 1954. She earned a BSA from Michigan State University in 1973 and taught elementary school in Michigan, Maryland, and Florida.

Suzanne married William David Carpenter in 1955 in Alabama. They lived in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland and then they enjoyed a long retirement in Vero Beach. Suzanne and David loved to travel to see other countries and the USA.

Suzanne was a talented artist. She painted murals at Pelican Island Elementary School in Sebastian where she taught school and also a large Noah's Ark mural at Community Church.  She volunteered by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Community Church. Suzanne and David lived at Vista Royale and had many happy years with their friends and neighbors.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, William David Carpenter and her children: Linda (Robert) Sausser and George (Donna) Carpenter. Grandchildren: Jonathan (Kristin) Sausser, Joseph (Katelyn) Sausser, Jason (Lindsey) Sausser, Jacob Carpenter, and Nicole Carpenter.  Great-grandchildren: Caleb, Ava and Mya Sausser.

A private memorial service celebrating Suzanne's life has taken place. Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Suzanne's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach. https://www.vnatc.com/