Obituary: Susan Ewer – former Lymington mayoress who supported town clubs and charities

FORMER Lymington mayoress Susan Ewer has died at the age of 88 after a “brave fight” with cancer.

For over 50 years Susan, who was known as Sue, served the community working tirelessly on both local and global concerns.

Born and brought up in Warwickshire, Sue (nee Buckle) was schooled in Leamington Spa, later attending a home economics college in Dorset.

She became a school teacher in Beaminster before moving to London in the early 1960s where she worked for the magazines Good Housekeeping and Living.

In 1975 she married Christopher Ewer at St Mary’s Church, Catherston, Dorset. The couple later settled in Pennington.

Christopher set up an engineering business while Sue began to play an active role in the Lymington community.

The couple shared a wide range of interests, including sailing, and loved to entertain friends on board their boats. first Golden Valley, which belonged to Christopher’s father and later on their own which was called Do Little II.They loved music and were involved in amateur dramatics, while Sue had a lifelong interest in horses.

She served as the town mayoress’s consort to the late Valerie Shepherd between May 1983 and April 1985.

Anne Fisher, a former Lymington mayoress, said: “She was much respected for her passionate ability to immerse herself in important causes.

“She was indomitable in researching and seeking out facts, most especially at council meetings where, in the appropriate slot, she would hold every member to account.

“All done with gusto, enthusiasm, clarity and charm, her bright eyes twinkling and her trademark beret always crowning her endeavours.”

After Christopher’s death in 2003, Sue continued with her community work, throwing herself even more into Lymington life.

In April 2022 she was the driving force behind the Sheriff of Hampshire’s commendation for the Lymington RNLI lifeboat station.

Steve Billett, chair of the Lifeboat Management Group at RNLI Lymington, said: “We have lost a truly wonderful lady and she was the greatest friend the RNLI in Lymington could have.

“Without her support and drive, the civic award would not have happened and for that we will always be grateful.”

Sue, who died on 7th February, also supported the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, particularly their fleet of Optimists, and would always encourage participation in the Wednesday sailing school for young people.

She also helped Oakhaven Hospice, the Solent Music Festival, the Lymington Community Association, and the historical records societies in Lymington, Milford and Boldre.

In her later years Sue became a recognisable figure in town as she strolled using with two walking poles and her signature colourful berets. She also became an avid international traveller.

Her cousin Simon Zavad said: “We are very sad to announce the death of our dear Susie. She was an amazing light, influence and friend to many and will be greatly missed.”

Following a private cremation there will be a memorial service at St Thomas’s Church in Lymington on 3rd March at 12.30pm. Her family have asked attendees to wear colourful clothes to reflect her “vibrant character”.

Donations in Sue’s name can be made to the British Homeopathic Association and Lymington RNLI through Maria Jones Funeral Directors, Brockenhurst.