Rosalie "Sue" Ann (White) Rhodes, 85, of Derby, Vermont, passed away on February 25, 2026, at North Country Hospital while in their Palliative Care Program, with family by her side. She was the beloved wife of Edwin Rhodes, who survives her.  She was born December 9, 1940, in Concord, New Hampshire, to the late Raymond and Madeline White.

Sue/Mom shared many childhood memories.  As a young girl, while living in Brownington, Vermont, she and her brothers would have to walk to school.  Sometimes they would see bears and her older brothers would not wait for her so she would have to try to keep up.  We believe this is where her strong work ethic and athletic drive began.  Throughout her childhood, the family lived in several places and as the oldest daughter, she helped with her younger siblings.  Sue eventually graduated from Orleans High School where she had been a basketball all-star.  She furthered her education and continued to play basketball at Lyndon Teacher's College where she became a certified teacher.  Sue and Ed fell in love and got engaged while in college.  Lilacs were the flower of choice at their wedding ceremony.  The family eventually settled in Derby and have very fond memories of raising their family in a wonderful neighborhood.  Several of the neighbors have become lifelong friends and will forever share memories of a special time in our lives.  She dedicated years of teaching with her early years being an elementary teacher with most of her career being a Physical Education (Gym & Health) teacher at NCUJHS and coaching field hockey.   Many in the community have shared wonderful memories from having her as a teacher and coach with the family.  After her children were mostly grown and starting their own lives, Sue decided to pursue her master's degree in counseling at UVM.  After receiving her Master's, she transitioned to a guidance counselor (K-8 at Troy Elementary & NCUHS) until her retirement.  She later returned to the role of counselor until her teaching license expired including at Irasburg Elementary.  Sue truly loved to help people, and this is reflected in her numerous volunteering activities later in life.  Rosalie "Sue" Rhodes will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her warm heart and kind soul.

Sue loved her family first and foremost.  She was a supportive, caring, and generous person. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, crossword puzzles, reading, crafts, sewing and she especially loved attending the athletic and artistic activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always ready for an outing, whether it was a simple yard sale trip or auction, traveling to Washington, D.C., college visits with her grandchildren, or attending various sporting events.  Many cherished memories were created during these special adventures that will live on forever in our hearts.

She was active in the Four Seasons Garden Club and at St. Mark's Church. There she participated in many roles, including singing in the choir, reading during services, Souper Lunch, serving on the Vestry, Treasurer, volunteering with the Food Shelf, church rummage sales and working with the Altar Guild. Sue also served as treasurer and secretary of the Orleans High School Alumni Association.

Sue was able to remain at home until her final stroke. Parkinson's disease and other health challenges eventually led to her passing. Over the past several years she has had wonderful caregivers, with her husband Ed faithfully managing her medication schedule and providing overnight care.  During her time in the hospital, many family members and friends visited to share stories of her life and the many lives she touched. Others sent messages through social media, which her daughters shared with her.

She is survived by her husband Edwin, with whom she would have celebrated their sixty-fifth anniversary in June 2026. She is also survived by her children: Julie Ann Rhodes Dupont and her husband John; Brent Rhodes and his wife Sue; and Stephanie Austin and her husband Kim.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Nicholas Monty; Ian Dupont and his wife Hannah; Emily Dupont; Dustin Rhodes and his wife Kelli; Brendon Rhodes; Mitchell Austin and his girlfriend Sarah Nadeau; and Jeffrey Austin and his wife Melissa.

Her great-grandchildren include Mikaela and Madelyn Monty; Kitanya Snow Rhodes; Audrey Rhodes; Mara and Easton Rhodes; and Ashlynn and Chase Austin.

Sue is survived by her sister, Mary Jean White Davis, and her brother, David White, who both visited her daily while she was in the hospital. A special thank you is extended to Aunt Jeannie, who was also one of her caregivers over the past several years.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law Reginald Rhodes and his wife Marte, her sister-in-law Patricia "Pat" Rhodes, and Kathy Hayes White along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her infant sister Sara Jane; her brothers and her sisters-in-law Ronald and Patricia "Patty" White, Edward and Lillian White, and Leo and Paula White; her Aunt Verla and

Uncle Roger Champagne; her cousin Emile Champagne; Aunt Irene (Champagne) Rector and her husband Julius; several White family Uncles and Aunts as well as cousins on the Champagne/Baril side of her mother's family tree & Rhodes cousins; her brothers-in-law Craig Davis, Cecil Rhodes, and Wayne Doncaster; and her sister-in-law Elizabeth "Betty" Doncaster.  The following nieces, Melissa "Missy" White, Amber White, nephew and Godson, Timothy White and great niece Michelle Fenimore.

The family had several pets over the years, and they have a new rescue dog, Liberty/Libby who will keep Edwin/Papa very busy.

There will be a Memorial Service & Celebration of Life for her on Saturday May 30, 2026.  The Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church located on 2nd Street in Newport, Vermont at 10:30 a.m.  followed by a Celebration of Life.

Online condolences are welcomed at Curtis-Britch.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral home & Cremation Service, locally family owned & operated.

In lieu of any flowers the family wishes that donations be made to the following:

North Country Hospital

c/o Steve Gonyaw, Foundation

Palliative Care

189 Prouty Dr., Newport, VT 05855

Orleans Essex VNA and Hospice, Inc.

46 Lakemont Rd., Newport, VT 05855

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

PO Box 125

Newport, VT  05855

Newport Youth Golf Association (NYGA)

In Care of: Kiley

470 Sias Avenue

Newport, VT  05855 On-line condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.