Susan B. Kallmes

BEVERLY – Susan (Brainerd) Kallmes, 91, of Beverly, MA, passed away peacefully on October 26 at Beverly Hospital.

Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Forrest and Helen (Haertl) Brainerd. She shared a lifetime of memories and adventures with her loving husband, Otto J. Kallmes of 39 years, who preceded her in death.

Raised and educated in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, and Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, Susan nurtured her love for learning at Lawrence College, in Appleton, WI, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in American Literature. Her curiosity and bright spirit shone through in every aspect of her life, whether she was exploring the complexities of infectious diseases or sharing her passion for history with those around her. A vibrant wordsmith, she contributed to the Marblehead Reporter as a freelance writer under the byline The Garage Sailor.

Susan dedicated her life to volunteering. She served as a docent at the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of Seven Gables, where her enthusiastic tours inspired a love for history with countless visitors. Her commitment to service was further exemplified by her work at Beverly Hospital, where she selflessly gave her time to support others in need.

An adventurous soul, Susan skied extensively across Europe and the western United States. She became a mainstay of the National Ski Patrol at Sunday River in Maine. She and Otto enjoyed traveling all through Europe, including traveling to Berlin when the wall came down. She found joy in training as an aerobics instructor, embodying the fitness guru spirit that kept her active in every stage of life. Her curiosity for knowledge was evident in her ability to quickly solve the New York Times puzzles daily.

A matriarch whose love knew no bounds, Susan is survived by her five children -- Paul of Oakland, CA, David (m. Michelle) of Rochester, MN, Kathryn of Gahannna, OH, Michael of Kings Beach, CA, and Andrew (m. Ivy Figueroa) of Bethesda, MD. – her treasured grandchildren -- Julia, Kevin, Keith, Theresa, Quinn, Jasper, Caroline, Elsa, Miriam, Alexia, and Alexander. Susan is remembered fondly by her brothers, Bob and Tom Brainerd of Arizona.

As we reflect on Susan's remarkable life, we celebrate the unyielding support and warmth she offered her family. She embodied strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of curiosity that left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

ARRANGEMENTS: Per Susan’s wishes, there will be no services. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.