Suzanne Ramsay Boomhover, the cherished wife of James Boomhover, passed away surrounded by love and her family on June 7, 2025, after a short battle with brain cancer. She lived through her brief diagnosis exactly as she had her previous 60 years: with compassion, empathy and selflessness. Her diagnosis wasn’t cause for self-pity; it was an opportunity to embrace those around her, to reassure them that “things are going to be OK.” She lived with grace and humility; her purpose was to ensure others were comfortable and cared for, even if it meant sacrificing those very things for herself.
Born Suzanne Mary Ramsay on February 24, 1965, Suzanne grew up in Milton, Vt. Her father, Bruce Porter Ramsay, was a jack-of-all-trades. Bruce built their family home, tinkered on their cars and maintained the property. A tomboy at heart, Suzie embraced her chores helping him; she watched and listened to her father keenly as he taught her valuable lessons. Suzie was never afraid to get her hands dirty; in fact, she preferred them that way — it proved the day had been productive!
Suzie’s mother, Catherine Coon Ramsay, ensured that the little homestead, perched on the side of Cobble Hill, was one filled with love and warmth. Her childhood was filled with memories of her mother welcoming neighbors, cousins and friends to their home with open arms. Catherine refused to rest until she knew all the kids had been cared for and loved and their bellies were full. Her untiring, instinctive, selfless and gentle mothering was the model on which Suzanne built her life and her character.
Summers were spent on the shores of Lake Champlain at the family’s camp on Eagle Mountain Harbor. Though modest in size, it was nearly always bursting at the seams with aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends trying to escape the heat and humidity of Vermont summers. Suzie adored being behind the family boat, carving across the wake on a single water ski. She never loved being the center of attention, though, so more often than not, she could be found fishing from her inner tube, rowing, skipping stones, or huddled around a campfire telling stories and giggling with her favorite people: her brother and sister, twins Heather and Douglas.
In 1984, Suzanne married her first husband, Brian DuPrat. They quickly started a family and over a period of five short years welcomed their children, Dustin, Brittany, Ryan and Adam, into their world of unconditional love. To be raised by Suzie was a gift; it was a daily lesson in what it meant to be loved, cherished and made to feel special. The importance of a work ethic was instilled through daily chores under the masquerade of spontaneous fun: working in the garden, mowing the lawn and even grocery shopping were an adventure when Mom was in charge! Exploring the woods picking berries, wandering the shore looking for sea glass and swimming in the lake helped instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for our breathtaking state and the outdoors.
Suzie’s life and passion were her children. They all attended Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, where, after years of volunteering in the classroom, she became a full-time employee. In 2007, after life led her and her first husband down different paths, it was there that she met her beloved James. Soon after, Suzie left her position in the planning room to work alongside Jim in facility and property management at the school. Jim’s three children, Kristin, Brooke-Ann and Taylor, were all quickly introduced to Suzie’s own brand of unwavering love. Terms like “blended family” or “stepchildren” had little bearing on Suzie; it didn’t matter who you were: If you were important to and cherished by someone whom Suzie loved, then you were, without question, a beloved and supported child of Suzie’s.
If Suzie’s passion in life was being a mother, her calling was to be a “Gram.” Over the course of 11 years, Suzie welcomed 16 incredible grandchildren into her world. She had the privilege of building unbreakable and unique bonds with each and every one of them. Her smile was never bigger and her eyes never sparkled brighter than when she was in the presence of her “grands.” Adventures she cherished with husband Jim, such as camping, going to hockey games and even vacations in Mexico, were quickly adapted to accommodate their grandkids. Giggles and shouts of glee always reverberated when Gram was near, doing puzzles, playing games, sitting around campfires cooking s’mores or doing her absolute most favorite thing — teaching kids how to catch a fish.
People never felt more love than when Suzie was in their life. Her coworkers at BFA Fairfax, Waterville Elementary School and, most recently, Burlington Electric Department knew what it was like to be considered family by Suzie. With her passing, she’s left a hole that is immeasurable. Those whose lives she touched find solace and comfort in her memories, love and lessons. She lives on through anyone who spreads and teaches unconditional love, selflessness and compassion and isn’t afraid of pitching in and getting their hands dirty.
Suzanne is survived by her beloved husband, James Boomhover, and dog, Tootsie; her mother, Catherine Coon Ramsay; her children, Dustin DuPrat (Kelly), Brittany Barrett (Brian), Ryan DeVinny (Megan), Adam DuPrat (Katie), Kristin Atherton (Jay), Brooke-Ann McDaniel (Evan) and Taylor Boomhover (Seth); her grandchildren, Harrison, Elizabeth and Cecile Barrett; Callen, Nora and Cade DuPrat; Hayden, Landyn, Amelia and Freya Atherton; Lennox and Mark-James McDaniel; and Khya, Fennigan, Ollivander and Poplyn Boomhover; her siblings, Heather Stagnone (Mark) and Douglas Ramsay; and her in-laws Vernon Boomhover (Jill) and John Boomhover (Debbie). She is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews, along with aunts and uncles.
Without a doubt, we know Suzie is dancing in heaven with her Daddy, Bruce, who predeceased her. She’s also being celebrated and welcomed by her grandparents; many aunts and uncles and cousins; and James’ parents, Robert and Jackie, along with their daughter Judy.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzie’s honor may be made to Vermont-based charity Never Give Up Ever, supporting children with chronic, terminal illness or facing life-altering injuries; or to REACH, a nonprofit focused on research, education and advocacy for children with Hirschsprung’s disease.
A celebration of life will be held on June 20, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Elks Lodge located at 44 Gricebrook Rd. in St. Albans, VT.
Honored to be serving the family of Suzanne Boomhover is Casey McNally of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at healdfuneralhome.com.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2025.