For nearly six years, Mrs. Susan Hice has called Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury home. While her life has taken her from Virginia to the Netherlands and back again, one thing has remained constant: her appreciation for people, animals, and the blessings that surround her each day.
“I spend the day in gratitude,” Susan shared. “I start out first thing in the morning thanking God for clean water, warm water, my health, and the ability to stand on my own. It goes on all day long.”
Before arriving at RWC, Susan and her husband, Gerry, spent 15 years living in Wicomico Church after retiring to Virginia’s Northern Neck. When Gerry’s health began to decline, they started looking for a retirement community that would provide support while allowing them to stay close to the friends, doctors, and lifestyle they loved.
“We shopped around,” Susan recalled. “But I really wanted to stay down here. I loved the weather, the lack of traffic, and all our connections were here. Then I saw this campus and loved how beautiful and well cared for it was.”
Their decision to move to RWC proved to be one she remains deeply thankful for today.
“When Gerry was in healthcare, they did a really good job taking care of him until the end,” she said. “The day he passed away, they called me right away and told me I should come over. I got there in five minutes. He reached out and took my hand, and I sat with him while he passed. It was perfect that I could be there with him.”
Susan’s remarkable life story includes an unexpected and highly successful career working with horses. While living in the Netherlands during the 1970s, she discovered a passion that would shape the next chapter of her life.
“Our daughter, Liz, developed an interest in Dutch ponies,” Susan recalled. “That led Gerry and me to take riding lessons in Holland. Before long, all three of us loved riding on the North Sea beach in Scheveningen, near The Hague. Looking back, it’s amazing what an impact Liz’s love of ponies had on the rest of our lives.”
Susan admitted that her own introduction to riding was anything but confident.
“I had never been on a horse before,” she laughed. “I was in my 30s and scared to death.”
After taking riding lessons alongside her daughter, Susan fell in love with Dutch Warmblood horses. When she returned to the United States, she brought a pregnant mare with her and soon became known for her expertise in foaling horses.
“The vet said, ‘You did such a good job foaling her. Will you foal mares for other people?’” Susan remembered. “That was the beginning of a career I accidentally fell into. Over the years, I foaled about 100 mares.”
The experience left a lasting impression on her.
“The moment the foal was on the ground, and the mare nickered to her baby—that whole birthing process was as close to God as I’ve ever been,” she said.
Today, Susan’s passions have shifted from horses to creativity and community. An accomplished card maker, she enjoys designing personalized cards for birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions.
“I try to create a card specifically for the person who will receive it,” she explained. “That’s what makes it meaningful.”
She also loves music, spending time with friends, and participating in one of her favorite RWC activities: line dancing.
“I don’t like exercise,” she joked, “but dance is my way to get exercise.”
For Susan, dancing combines movement, music, friendship, and fun. It’s an activity she looks forward to each week and one that keeps her active and connected to the community.
Another source of joy in Susan’s life is Lucy, her four-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. More than just a beloved pet, Lucy holds a special place in Susan’s heart because Gerry chose her from the litter before he passed away.
“My husband picked her out, so it feels like a gift from him every day,” she said. “She’s really sweet and easy, a good companion.”
Susan credits Lucy for helping her connect with fellow residents when she first arrived.
“Everybody wanted to stop and pet her,” she said. “They socialized her, and now she loves people and other dogs. One of my fondest memories here is walking Lucy and seeing how friendly everyone was.”
Since losing Gerry in 2024, Susan has become even more involved in community life and has built many new friendships.
“I’ve made many friends,” she said. “Being around people has been very good for me.”
When asked to describe RWC in just a few words, Susan didn’t hesitate.
“Warm and friendly.”
And for those considering a move to the community, she offers simple but heartfelt advice:
“It’s a good thing. And don’t wait too long.”
Looking back on her extraordinary journey from raising horses and building a fulfilling life at RWC, Susan remains focused on what matters most.
“Every day is a gift,” she said. “I’m thankful for being here. I’m thankful for RWC, for Lucy, and for all the blessings in my life.”
For Susan Hice, gratitude isn’t just something she practices, it’s a way of life.
