Susan L. (Maxfield) Searles- Gazza, 74, of Harrison passed away peacefully with her children by her side on June 4, 2024, at Bridgton Hospital.

Born August 9, 1949, in Portland, daughter of Delmore and Barbara (Millett) Maxfield, a lifelong resident of Harrison, she graduated from Bridgton High School, Class of 1967.

Susan was a loving mother to her own children, but also welcomed many others into her heart and home over the years. She was an accomplished baker and decorated many beautiful cakes for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, etc. It was always so much fun to see what she could create. Her career in real estate began in the late ‘70s. She worked at and later co-owned ERA Foster Associates, then went on to co-own Heritage Realty in Harrison with her husband, John. A few years after John’s passing, she went to Chalmers Realty in Bridgton, where she remained until retiring late last year. Susan was also very involved with the Western Maine Board of Realtors. She was named Realtor of the Year in 1997 and 2003.

She began her service to the town of Harrison as an elected member of the Board of Selectman in 1979 and served for 14 years, five of those as chairman. Susan was instrumental in bringing back Harrison Old Home Days in 1977, and served on that committee for many years. Susan started the Christmas for Kids organization; she felt that every child deserved to open special gifts on Christmas morning. Over the years, the program grew and she recruited many Secret Santas to help fulfill as many wishes as possible. Susan was very influential in the resurrection of Deertrees Theatre and served on the Deertrees Board for many years. She actively served on the committee for the Millenium Celebration, helping to put the Harrison Ball Drop in the New York Times. She was also actively involved in the year-long celebration for Harrison’s 2005 Bicentennial. Susan truly loved her hometown and has left an indelible mark thanks to her years of dedication. Susan is also well-known for her incredible collection of Byers Choice Carolers. She and John spent many hours every Fall setting up fun Christmas displays; no corner or surface was left unadorned. Susan thoroughly enjoyed a good renovation project. She had a knack for seeing the beauty in things where others would only see trash or a tear down.

One of Susan’s favorite projects was helping decorate The Olde Mill Tavern after the space had undergone an extensive renovation. She was also a member of United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton.

Susan was predeceased by her infant sister, Sally Anne, her parents, her husband John R. Gazza, and mother-in-law Catherine (Negri) Gazza.

She is survived by her brother, Delmore “Butch” Maxfield and wife Cathleen; children, Carol Doucette and boyfriend Mike Miller of Waterford, Chris Searles and girlfriend Jennifer Fogg of Harrison, Kim Todd and husband Jim of Hampden; stepchildren, James Gazza and fiance Nicole Gruver of PomFret Ctr., Conn., Randy Gazza and wife Linda of Chuluota, Fla., Richard Gazza and wife Michele of Tilton, N.H.; grandchildren, Steven (Meghan), Michael (Jennifer), and Andrew Doucette, Kemsen and Karter (Augustina) Searles, Zachary (Lindsay), AJ, Christopher and Mason Todd, Jessica (Greg) Desrochers, and Brian (Aileen) Kellough; great-grandchildren, Connor, Quinn, Ryan, Logan, Scarlette, Sophia, Madelyn, Amelia, Amerie, Addison, Lucy, Maizy, Cooper, Quinn and Bruce; and her very special devil dog, Romie (IYKYK). Susan will also be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her wonderful circle of friends.

At Susan’s request, a Celebration of Life, reminiscent of her 40th birthday party, will be held Saturday, June 15, from 1-4 p.m. at Keoka Beach Campground in Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory can be made to: Christmas for Kids Harrison, 166 Scribners Mills Rd., Harrison, ME 04040 or Deertrees Theatre, PO Box 577, Harrison, ME 04040

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 8 Elm, Street, Bridgton. To make an online condolence please visit www.chandlerfunerals.com