Suzanne Bowden Crossland died peacefully at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Dec. 24 surrounded by her sons, Kurt Crossland, Mark Crossland, and her daughter in law, Bernadette Crossland, following a brief illness. She was 81.

Suzanne or Sue, as she preferred to be called, was born on Feb. 4, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pa. to Dorothy and Al Moser. She was an only child and spent her early life growing up in Pittsburgh. She attended the Pittsburgh Art Institute where she became an accomplished artist in various mediums. Her forte was charcoal drawing. She also painted still life and landscapes in oil.

She married Frank Wallace Crossland in 1951 while Wally was attending the University of Miami where he received a bachelor of science degree in engineering. While on campus Sue worked in the administration building as a secretary. She often commented on those years and their many married college-going friends with whom they had so much fun. Frank died in 2003.

Sue and Wally lived on the Vineyard for two years in the 1970s and then moved to Clearwater, Fla., for a time, only to move back the Vineyard in 1986 for good.

Sue was especially fond of animals. She adored her golden retrievers: first Taffy, followed by Lucky. Last year she was delighted to receive a Sheltie as a Christmas present from Mark and Bernie. She named him Harry after an uncle. He was the sparkle in her eye and kept her very busy.

Besides her artwork, she loved to knit and was extremely capable at it, making sweaters, hats and mittens for everyone in the family. She enjoyed Sunday dinners every week with Mark and Bernie and visiting with Kurt. She also enjoyed coffee and walks with her neighbor, Bobbie Donovan, whom she called her new best friend.

While living on the Vineyard she worked for the historical society and the Vermont Shop.

In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her son Alan. She is survived by her two sons, Mark and Kurt Crossland, daughter in law Bernadette Crossland; grandchildren Kyle, Keith, Kane, Josh, Christina, and Caitlyn Crossland, Zoe Shanor, and her step-grandchildren Joe, Shaun, James, and Luke DePriest. She loved all her children and grandchildren very much.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. in the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.