Happy New Year. I hope you all enjoyed your holidays. Ours,as I'm sure yours were busy celebrating with family and friends. Thank you to all who sent Christmas wishes; your cards, letters and pictures were quite heartwarming and appreciated. Unfortunately, seeing all of your beautiful family portraits is a reminder that each year is passing too quickly.

A special after Christmas gift came for us as the New England Patriots clinched the AFC Division title in the East. The win was especially sweet as we were predicted to win only six games this season. All of Patriot Nation are excited for the playoffs, go Pats!

I can’t acknowledge often enough how thankful I am to those who post videos and pictures on All Things Ocean Point, especially the winter sunrises, sunsets and the snow. It’s a treat for those of us who are not there to experience those natural wonders. A special thanks to Jackie Jones for sharing her beautiful original painting with all of us.

Congratulations to all of our college freshmen who have successfully completed their first semester of higher education. Many are home enjoying down time with family and friends. Congratulations to Caroline Driscoll who recently returned home after studying her junior semester abroad in England and all the best to Luke Yerrall who will study in Australia for his junior semester.

Congratulations to Ginny Kern who recently became a grandmother. Ginny’s son Grant and his wife Lucy welcomed their son George Edward on Oct. 22. We are so fortunate that many Ocean Pointers celebrated many happy occasions this past year with weddings, births,graduations and even milestone birthdays.

However, sadly our thoughts turn to those who recently lost a loved one. Our condolences to Ginny Kern and family on the loss of Ginny’s mother Joan Sandstrom and to our former assistant AD and tennis instructor Isabel Harkins and her family on the passing of her grandfather Timothy Harkins. Many of you may recall Sarah Seepe who was the Ocean Point columnist many years ago and who also passed away last month, our condolences to her family.

It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of lifelong Ocean Pointer Suzie Hamblett. Suzie passed away Dec. 24 at her home in Portsmouth, N.H. Suzie was an incredibly devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Foremost in Suzie’s life were her husband Pete,their children and spouses and her grandchildren. She shared many wonderful and happy moments with her family of whom she was incredibly proud. She never missed an opportunity to share in their interests and accomplishments.

Suzie and Pete travelled extensively over the years to attend and support their family’s athletic games. Suzie was multi-talented and had many interests. Throughout her life Suzie generously shared her time and talents volunteering in many organizations and served on many boards. She loved spending time at Ocean Point and was involved with the Wilson Memorial Chapel sharing her talent and expertise in floral arranging for Sunday Services. Suzie was also accomplished in the art of needlepoint.

Suzie spent summers with her family enjoying all that Ocean Point had to offer; boating, golfing, swimming, competitive game nights and getting together and spending quality time with friends. I know that Ocean Pointers have many personal and cherished memories of Suzie through the years as I do, one that is quite memorable for me occurred last summer when Suzie and Pete were Grand Marshals of our long standing July 4 Horribles Parade. Every year Suzie and her family would cheer on the participants at the finish line and this past year the family all gathered the day of the parade in their driveway to honor and celebrate with their mom and dad.

All who knew Suzie will affectionately remember her for her infectious smile, wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and her profound love for her family and friends.

Suzie is survived by her husband of 65 years,Pete; her son Andy and wife Meagan; her daughter Jennifer and husband Scott Parker; her daughter Leslie and husband DJ Gamache and son John and wife Barbara. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren; her sister Holly Hornor as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her parents John and Jean Stevens; her sister Caroline Tew and her brother John Jr. Our condolences to her family. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 10 at South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth, N.H. at 10:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear a pop of color in Suzie’s memory. Donations may be made in Suzie’s memory to the charity of your choice.

I wish you a happy healthy year ahead and have a great week!