Susan Marie Dempsey Putman, 73, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at Consulate Health Care of Port Charlotte.She was a proud Florida native, born June 25, 1948, in Miami, Fla., to William Dempsey and Sue Etheridge.

Susan was a homemaker while her children were young, making a point to foster a love for reading in them early on. She proudly earned her own GED the same year her eldest graduated from high school, in 1984. Susan worked in maintenance at the Punta Gorda Airport in Punta Gorda, Fla., for 11 years, her petite frame handling tasks that easily taxed several strapping men (the number it took to fill for her anytime she was on vacation). In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, camping, crafting, gardening, and collecting owls and lighthouses. She was never one to sit idle.

She held a deep Christian faith, and taught Sunday school when her children were growing up. Susan was a proud grandmother to her son’s three children, delighting in every moment she was able to spend with them. Her fiery spirit saw her through many difficult times in her life, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Dempsey and Marion Putman, both of Port Charlotte; son, Brian (Susan) Putman of Port Charlotte; three grandchildren, Bradley Putman, Mackenzie Putman and Andrew Putman, all of Port Charlotte; sister, Dianne Harris of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; brother, Rick Zenna of Canton, Ga.; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Marion Dempsey; and several siblings, stepsiblings, and close cousins.

A private Celebration of Life is planned for Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda, one of her favorite local fishing spots. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to lend a kind word to a neighbor. We could all use a little more of those right now.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.