Obituary of Suzette Lilian Gilbert

Suzette Lillian Gilbert, 71, died at her home in Belfast in May 2021. She was born on June 23, 1949, and grew up in Evansville, Indiana, the second of four children of Orval (‘Ray’) and Lillian (Robertson) Gilbert. Suzette was predeceased by her parents, sister Janeen, brother Bill (Linda) and nephew Jeffrey. She is survived by her brother Raymond (Patricia), sons Tarik Gilbert and Zackary Gilbert, daughter Jessica Isakson, Elaine Isakson, nieces and nephews, Skyelar, Lydia, Patrick, Eliza, Scott and Christy, grandchildren Autumn, Andrew and Cain, as well as many dear friends. Suzette earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Indiana State University and after moving to Maine received Master's degrees in Counseling and Social Work from the University of Maine. Suzette loved her Maine home, settling first in Orono, then on Appleton Ridge, and later as a long time resident of Belfast and Rockland. She was a devoted mother, and her long social work career was dedicated to the welfare of children. Suzette was an active community member who shared her many gifts. She was an original founder of the Belfast Coop, owner of a vintage clothing shop and a creator of hats. She had a lifelong love of stories and theatre and became a founding actor in Belfast’s MythWeavers Theatre. She provided countless stories and costumes for local theater productions and parades. Suzette was creative, had a flair for living colorfully and drew a wide assortment of friends with her ready laugh and generous spirit. Suzette was happiest when swimming in a lake or the ocean, or visiting one of her many favorite nature spots. She loved books and writing, and had a broad appreciation for art and music. She enjoyed gardening and took many a trip to visit family, friends and places of beauty. Suzette had a deep spiritual life and enjoyed attending church in her neighborhood. She valued a caring community, country and world, and readily saw the good in others. She treasured the earth and loved the animal companions in her life. Suzette was a loyal and loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, partner and friend, who brought light wherever she went. Her deep perception and compassionate heart will be greatly missed. A memorial gathering will be held in late summer. See the Riposta website FMI or to post a tribute. Memorial gifts in Suzette’s name may be made to: CLAP! (www.clapbelfastmaine.org), Waldo County Humane Society (waldocountyhumanesociety.weebly.com) or The Nature Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/maine/). SAVE THE DATE ---- AUGUST 21, 2021 --- SUZETTE GILBERT GATHERING. It will be at 3:00 PM at the Belfast First Church front lawn. **IF we do need to go inside due to weather, we would appreciate everyone wearing masks. Dear family and friends, We have set a date for gathering on August 21 It will be at 3:00 PM at the Belfast First Church front lawn. **IF we do need to go inside due to weather, we would appreciate everyone wearing masks. This will be a special time to celebrate Suzette's life! Details will be forthcoming and posted on this Riposta Funeral Home website. You may also email or call Elaine Isakson (elaine.isakson@yahoo.com (207)594-4196) for more information. Feel free to pass this along to others. We are looking forward to gathering with you all!