Elizabeth Hines Sudmeyer

Elizabeth Hines Sudmeyer, 84, of 557 Shuford Circle Drive Newton, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. Elizabeth was born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, to Kenneth William Perry and the former Elizabeth Greeley McGovern. She had two siblings, Barbara and Robert. Recalling her youth, Elizabeth was especially fond of her time at Camp Monomoy, a Cape Cod Sea Camp. Over the years, she distinguished herself as a camper and was hired as a Camp Counselor. A graduate of the MacDuffie School, she subsequently attended UNC-Chapel Hill before transferring to the American International College where she completed her degree in Psychology.

She met and married Ralph Earle Hines and they had a child, Scott Breckinridge Hines, born in 1965. In 1967, she was widowed when Captain Hines, USMC, was killed while leading combat operations in the Republic of South Vietnam.

Later, she married Paul Theodore Sudmeyer, also a Marine combat veteran. Paul and Elizabeth were happily married for 47 years. In addition to Scott, they had two more children, Todd and Megan. Eventually settling near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth and Paul enjoyed their lives there for 30 years.

Excelling in Office Management and Administration, Elizabeth worked in a variety of professional engagements. Upon her initial return to work she served as the Office Manager for a successful local dental practice in the early 1980's. She moved on to a position with SEI Investments Company. From SEI, she took a position with Centocor, a biotechnology company. Finally, she landed at Synthes, a leading manufacturer of surgical implants. She enjoyed success at Synthes until her retirement in 2009 and was recognized for her time and achievements while at Synthes.

In addition to her professional work, Elizabeth could always be found participating in community organizations including the Junior League, various Parent Teacher Associations, and Historical Societies. Taking an interest in the development of young adults, she served as a volunteer CPR instructor for the local High School her children attended.

Tennis was a particular attraction for Elizabeth, and she played throughout the '70s and '80s. Paired with Paul, they proved competitive, taking several trophies in local Mixed Doubles Tournaments.

Possessed of a lifelong enjoyment of reading, Elizabeth could always be found with a book of interest and a desire to discuss it. She loved to share books and spread the joy of reading.

In 2009, Paul and Elizabeth relocated to Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC, where they happily enjoyed their time in that community. Following Paul's passing in late 2016, Elizabeth continued to enjoy her time with friends and family. A notable highlight of this period was a family celebration of her 80th birthday at Lake Tahoe, CA.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Megan, Scott, and Todd, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be held at Abernethy Laurels spirit place on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 am with Pastor Shaw officiating.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the Catawba County Library Endowment in her name (https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/library/about/contribute/).