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Suzanne “Suzie” Hodge Birks, 80, Madison passed away peacefully on May 25. She was predeceased by parents Hubert Hodge and Grace Tinker Hodge of Woodbridge; her husband Robert Birks, who shared her love of golden retrievers; and her sister Dian Rice of Connecticut. She is survived by her sister Joan Joos and husband Richard Joos of New Hampshire and brother Hubert Hodge of Connecticut. She was loved and known as Aunt Golden Suzie by six nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and nephews, whom she never forgot a birthday or occasion with.

She was director of Wholesales Division of SOURCE Inc, for more than 40 years. She was a cherished and kind employee she was loved by staff and costumers. Suzie was a devoted breeder and preservationist of golden retrievers for more than 40 years. She bred, co-bred, and co-owned with friend and mentor Marjorie Trowbridge with many wins but most famous was Am/Can Ch Birks Sage Derby of Ankrist; SDHF won Best of Opposite Sex at Westminster KC, not once but twice. Suzie spent years of volunteering at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center and was a lifetime member of Golden Retriever Club of America and Golden Retriever Club overseas. She was a member of both Hudson Valley and Yankee Golden Retriever clubs and All Breed KC Kenilworth KC. She was an active member at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, where she would be found ushering and volunteered infinite hours. The family would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Suzie’s long-time co-breeder, friend, and caregiver Laura Way for her dedication and love she shared over the past many years.

A celebration of Suzie’s life will be graveside at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, at Eastside Cemetery, Pease Road, Woodbridge, Connecticut. All are welcome to break bread immediately after at 12 Overlook Lane Guilford, Connecticut.

Donations may be made is Suzie’s name to Golden Retriever Foundation at http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/ or High Hopes 36 Town Woods Rd. Old Lyme CT 06371.

The Hawley Lincoln Memorial is in charge of arrangements. To sign her online guestbook, please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.