Obituaries

Susan (Sue) Strain Hoyt

August 2, 1943 - July 15, 2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Susan (Sue) Hoyt Strain, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, who left us on July 15, 2026. Sue passed away peacefully in her sleep after a courageous battle with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia with Bing-Neel syndrome, a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma that had spread to her central nervous system. She was 82 years old.

Born on August 2, 1943, in Walton, New York, Sue was the cherished daughter of the late Edrie and Walter Hoyt. She spent her early years surrounded by the beauty of Walton and its small town charm where she formed the foundations of a life filled with love and dedication to her family and community. Sue graduated from Walton High School and furthered her education at St. Pete College, where she was a proud recipient of the Who’s Who in Junior Colleges award. Her career as a Dental Hygienist was marked by compassion and excellence, which she later extended as a Proctor for the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

Sue was predeceased by her loving parents, her son Hoyt, stepson Hobbie, and grandson Dylan, the father of her sons, Colie Goodrich Jr., and her devoted husband of 35 years, Hobson Strain Jr. She is survived by her devoted sons, CL and his wife Sara, Michael and his husband Drew, and Peter. Her sister Beck and her brother Tom mourn her loss, as do her stepchildren Helen, Lizzy and husband Lewis, Kathleen and husband Terry, Willie and wife Ronda, Maggie and husband Dutch, and Mini and husband Chris.

Sue’s love and joy extended to her 11 grandchildren: Jennifer and husband Pat, Shaun and wife Lisa, Hobie, Tyler and wife Andrea, Annie and husband Jake, Eric and wife Hannah, Olivia, Logan, Charlie, Willie, and Megan, and her four great-grandchildren: Ellie, Jax, James, and Brooks. Her family, including her in-laws and countless friends from around the country, were truly the center of her world.

A dedicated volunteer, Sue was committed to serving seniors in her community through VISTE Polk County, where she delivered weekly hot meals to the elderly. Sue had a special recognition at the Volunteers Luncheon for have being a hot meals driver for 25 years! Steve Bissonnette, President of VISTE, gave her special recognition for her heart of service and dedication. Her dedication to her city was recognized with the Lakeland Police Citizen Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Sue was well-known for her vibrant spirit and zest for life. An avid Mahjong player, power walker, yoga enthusiast, and bowler, she was always on the move. Together with Hobson, she explored the world, visiting six of the seven continents and creating memories that will be cherished by all who accompanied them on their journeys. Her home was a sanctuary of love and laughter, especially during her legendary gatherings. Sue’s Christmas Eve parties, Christmas Day Lasagna dinners, and Easter Brunch Egg Hunts were highlights for family and friends, where her warmth and generosity were felt by all.

A private service will be held for immediate family on August 8, 2026 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lakeland at 11:00am. Thereafter, friends are invited to gather at her home from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sue’s memory to VISTE.

Sue’s legacy of love, kindness, and strength will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered for the joy she brought into our lives.