Susan Zepf Kilgore

MARBLEHEAD – Susan Jean (Zepf) Kilgore, age 74, of Marblehead, passed away at the Lahey Clinic and Medical Center in Burlington, on Friday, August 14th. Sue was the beloved wife of Jeffrey B. Kilgore with whom she shared over 48 years of marriage.

Born in St. Louis, MO, Susan was the daughter of the late Albert and Caroline (Ruemmler) Zepf. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in physical therapy and moved to Boston to work at Children’s Hospital. She worked for 35 years as a physical therapist, shifting from pediatrics to helping geriatric patients at nursing homes and private settings. She worked for 18 years at Devereux House Nursing Home in Marblehead. Sue will be missed for her dedication to helping disabled people of all ages.

Sue was an avid golfer and skier at Sunday River in Maine for over 35 years. She was also a member of Tedesco Country Club for many years. She also started her own photography company, Reflections Portrait Photography, which was inspired by her interest in photographing children with disabilities as well as family portraits. Sue loved her boat and one of her favorite things was to ride around Marblehead harbor or sit on her mooring and enjoy the view of the harbor.

She was most proud of being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to; her husband, Jeff, who devoted himself to her care, especially after 2016; and to her pride and joy, her daughters, Jennifer Gulko and her husband, Brett of Portland, ME and their precious children, Blake and Travis; and her daughter Leslie, of Big Sky, Montana, and her daughter Sedona. She was also the dear sister of the late Joan Zierenberg and her husband Ernest; the cherished aunt of Lynn Hiborn and her husband, Mark, Lee Ann Zierenberg and Jeff Zierenberg and his wife, Nancy; and the sister-in-law of Cyrus Kilgore and Tina Zelano, Andy and Diane Kilgore and Seth Kilgore and Susan Dilbert and the daughter-in-law of Allison Kilgore.

Appropriately socially distanced Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, August 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street, 781-631-0076. A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Sue’s Life is planned for Wednesday, August 19th at 10:30am at an outside venue in Marblehead to be determined. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital, Boston. To share a memory or offer online condolences please visit eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.