Susan Bernice Mack

OAKLAND, Tenn. – Susan Bernice Mack, 76, formerly of Portland, passed away peacefully on Oct. 26, 2025, after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Santa Maria, Calif., on Oct. 7, 1949, Susan was the devoted daughter of the late Robert Glenn King and Marjorie Ambler King. She was also predeceased by her beloved husband, James E. Mack, Jr., with whom she shared 33 years of love, laughter, and adventure.

Susan is survived by her six siblings, Andrew A. King, Gregory G. King, Douglas S. King, James W. King, Barbara (King) Guzzo, and David J. King; along with more than 20 nieces and nephews who adored her. She shared a particularly close bond with her nephew, John C. Guzzo, whom she regarded as a son and who lovingly cared for her for many years.

A longtime resident of the Portland, Maine area, Susan and Jim built a beautiful home together on five peaceful acres in Cumberland, where they spent more than three decades surrounded by nature and friends. Susan worked for UNUM Insurance for over 35 years, where she was admired for her intelligence, diligence, and kind spirit.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Susan faithfully attended daily Mass for many years and was an active member of her parish, volunteering in numerous capacities — from serving in the soup kitchen to acting as a sponsor to First Communicants.

A gifted artist and lifelong learner, Susan graduated from Albany High School in Albany, Calif., where she was a National Merit Finalist, and later attended the University of California, Berkeley, on an art scholarship. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jim.

Susan’s many passions reflected her creative and gentle nature. She loved gardening, reading, hiking, painting, and crafting, and she often sewed her own clothing and created beautiful quilts. She played both the piano and guitar and had a lifelong appreciation for all kinds of music — especially anything by Gordon Lightfoot. She was also an avid collector of porcelain dolls and vintage books, and had a soft spot for cats.

Her perfect day would begin with Mass, followed by a peaceful trip to the beach and lunch with a dear friend. She’d spend the afternoon tending to her garden and end the evening in front of her fireplace, lovingly built of handpicked local stone — a reflection of her care and attention to life’s simple, beautiful details.

Susan will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her quiet strength, her gentle humor, and her deep love for family and friends. Her presence brought warmth and light to all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Susan’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center at 300 Allen Ave., Portland.