Woodsboro loses Susan Mosholder

(6/15) On June 1st, the community of Woodsboro lost one of it finest when Susan Mosholder unexpectedly passed. She was 71.

Sue was actively involved in the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company (VFC) where she served as a member, and from 2015 to 2021 was the company’s President. In addition to volunteering her time at Woodsboro, Sue was also a member of the New Midway VFC, where she got her start. Through her involvement in the two organizations, she dedicated close to 40 years to her community as a fire and rescue volunteer.

According to her daughter, Melinda, Sue found her calling when she helped at an accident in front of their home 40 years ago. From that moment on she began her volunteer career with the New Midway VFW, where she was the became the first female fire fighter. Sue eventually became a first responder and an EMS at New Midway, which led her to a professional career as an Emergency Communications Specialist with Frederick County 911.

"Fire and Rescue was her passion," said Melinda.

Following her retirement from Frederick County 911 in 2013, Sue became more active in the Woodsboro VFC, and within two years was its President. At the time, the Company was in tough financial shape, which required Sue to make some hard and at times, unpopular decisions, but decisions that over time have proved her right and put the company back on sound financial footing.

Gary Keller, past Chief of the New Midway VFC said he always valued Sue. "Because of her background, during emergences, as a 911 Dispatcher, Sue often knew what those on the scene need, even before they themselves knew it, and she would dispatch, saving us a lot of time, and more than likely, a few lives."

"Sue," Woodsboro Fire Chief James Lind said, "was always present in the station as he was growing up. She was critical to ensuring that the fire company had everything it needed to be effective."

Sue’s son Kenny, said it was not uncommon for her to respond to emergency calls while she was driving him and his two sisters when they where kids. "If a call came in, she responded, and we went along. Through our mother, we learned of the importance of volunteering and community service.

In reflecting upon his mother’s life, Kenny said: ‘she was the most welcoming person I’ve ever known. People would come to our home, even a complete stranger, and she always treated them like long lost friends?"

Kenny’s words were echoed by everyone who came to pay their respect at her funeral. "She was just a great person to know," said Woodsboro Burgess Heath Barnes. "She always had a smile on her face, and was always the first to offer a helping hand. She was good at getting things done"

Wayne Starkey, owner of Old Town Jewelry, reflected fondly over the eleven years he was Sue’s neighbor. "There was a vacant lot between our town homes, and Sue and I would always cut a path through the weeds so we could visit each other. She was the best neighbor one could ask for."

In addition to her fire company work, Sue was also a fierce advocate for the New Midway Elementary School. When the Frederick County School Board considered closing it a few years back, Sue rallied to its defense, and according to many, her passionate speech in favor of keeping schooling local for young kids, saved the school.