Obituary
Suzanne Northam Doley, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 27, 2021 in her home in Annapolis, MD. Suzanne was born in Richmond, VA on June 8, 1940 to Henry and Eva Duncan Northam, and grew up with her brother, George, on the family farm in Church View, VA.
Suzanne left home to attend Westhamptom College (U. Richmond), completing her degree in Medical Technology at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1962. While in Richmond, she fell in love and married Peter D. Doley shortly after graduation. Pete’s service in the Air Force found them stationed in Turkey in 1966 where they had the opportunity to explore Europe and develop a life-long passion for travel, history, and archeology.
In 1976, Suzanne and Pete attracted by the culture and history of Williamsburg, VA, settled in their dream home across the street from William and Mary College for the next 42 years. Suzanne worked for Colonial Williamsburg as a historical interpreter for 15 years, studying architecture, botany, and archeology to bring colonial history to life for her tour groups. She was a master gardener, avid genealogist of her family’s long history in colonial Virginia, and dedicated volunteer. As President of the Green Springs Garden Club, she twice ran the famous Christmas Homes Tour of Williamsburg. She enjoyed serving in the Bruton Parish Gift Shop, raising funds for church activities and outreach. After retiring from Colonial Williamsburg, she sustained her love of history and archeology as an enthusiastic volunteer at the archeological dig site of historic Jamestown.
Suzanne is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Pete Doley; three sons and their spouses, Chris Doley (Hutchey), Todd Doley (Darlene), Kevin Doley (Samantha); and nine grandchildren, Peter Doley, Laura Doley, Erin Doley, Katie Doley, Elliot Doley (Caehla), Clara Doley, Ian Doley, Amanda Doley, and Caroline Doley. Suzanne was a gracious, gentle, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will be greatly missed.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 am on July 17, 2021 at Bruton Parish Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzanne’s name can made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake (hospicechesapeake.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).