On September 17, 2021 Sumida Kichodhan Cobb passed away on her beloved Cape Cod where she lived a life of retirement—golfing, collecting shells, attending the theater, the symphony, and treasuring the company of her family.
Affectionately known by her Cape Cod golfing buddies as “Susie-Two-Putt,” Sumida was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. She was a graduate of Oak Grove School in Vassalboro, Maine and then continued on to receive her B.A. from the School of General Studies at Columbia University. She continued her studies at Mary Washington University and La Sorbonne in Paris. Eventually, she would be a tour guide and interpreter speaking five languages (Thai, English, French, Spanish, and Cantonese) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Sumida then followed her passion for languages back to her high school alma mater where she taught French before meeting and marrying her husband, David O. Cobb at a high school dance they chaperoned.
From then on, she would be a loyal and supportive wife to David as he joined the marine corps, then the faculty at Northfield Mount Hermon School, and eventually the faculty at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. At Andover, Sumida assumed a support role to David’s various academic positions as she entertained faculty, trustees, parents, and students at their festive and memorable cocktail and dinner parties. Dancing until the wee hours of the morning at their events, David and Sumida were the picture of joie de vivre. They loved to travel whether abroad or nearby. Often, clad in leather, they hopped on their motorcycle only to ride where their bike would take them. During summers at their home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, Sumida loved to waterski, sail, and with her warm hospitality, entertain guests on the dock. Her passion for music was evident with her talent at the piano, whether playing by ear or reading music while playing all her favorite classical pieces.
When her three grandchildren were born, there was no greater joy and pride for Sumida. Her first-born grandchild, Asia, called her grandmother “Maya,” and so Maya went on to enjoy spoiling two more grandchildren, Quillen and Rowan.
Sumida/Mom/Maya leaves behind her siblings Valli, Vithu and his wife Toi, as well as Valda and her husband Montri. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews, her daughter Tiffany Bradlee, son-in-law Gardner Bradlee, and grandchildren Asia, Quillen, and Rowan Bradlee. And she leaves behind her greatest love, dance partner, theater partner, motorcycle partner, and co-host of amazing dinner parties, her husband David.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to The American Stroke Association or The Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial will be private.