I love you all very much and will miss Aunt Sue. I always enjoyed reading the letters she sent me and receiving her cards. She will always remain close to my heart and I will never forget her.

One of my favorite memories was when Brant and I went to Charlotte to see a friend and then rented a car to drive to Raleigh to see your parents for the night. David was also down visiting that weekend, so it was nice for everyone to get together. It was a beautiful day so we sat out on the porch and shared stories, laughed, and just enjoyed each others company. We also shared a few bottles of wine! Later Aunt Sue prepared a true Italian meal with sauce, pasta, meatballs, and sausage which was absolutely delicious! 

One of the things I will always remember that night was when she played the piano and how sweet the music sounded. It was just an all around great day. She was beautiful, talented, and courageous, and will always be loved and missed by all of us.

My most vivid memories of my Aunt Sue are during the summer when her and my Uncle would drive to NY to visit. They would usually be sitting around the pool in the backyard when I arrived. Everyone would be laughing as they passed their camera around with Aunt Sue giving the commentary. 

Aunt Sue always looked polished, easily setting her apart from the way most people looked in our small town. With a great big hug and smile she would welcome me and quickly make me feel at ease in her presence. 

She showed a genuine interest in even the most ordinary matters, quick to complement and was sincere. 

We will all remember Aunt Sue in different ways. I will remember Aunt Sue in the summer, around 4 o'clock, sitting in the sun and laughing around the pool.

She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. We remember being so surprised and tickled to find out that she was from Syracuse, NY when we moved in on Churchill Drive because both Doug and I originated from Canastota, NY (a twenty minute drive from Syracuse) and we were so happy to meet someone from home! 

We didn't have any relatives here and felt instant family with your mom. It also helped that your mom was of Italian descent like us so we had such an instant connection! 

I personally loved talking to her frequently because of all we had in common and when we moved in, I was pregnant with Ben (my first child) and being the mom she was she had such great advice for me. As our family grew, she always took such an interest in our kids and was so motherly but not in an intrusive way, just so helpful and always so sincere and genuinely interested in our family. 

She was so proud of Karen and Lisa and we would always enjoy hearing about the both of you and what you were up to. Karen, she was beautiful inside and out and you and Lisa were lucky to have her as your mother.

My memories of Suzanne center around (what else) but the good times we shared eating and drinking! 

My first memory is our enjoying a morning cup of coffee and bagel at Broadway Bagels where we discussed all the neighborhood gossip and the city news of the day. Of course we were great at solving everyone's problems! 

My second memory is of Al and Suzanne and all the great times we had in our hot tubs and pool. Whether it was in the summer in our backyard hot tub and pool or in the winter, at our Super Bowl parties (where we also had a hot tub) I remember laughing and just enjoying our friendship and our neighbors. We were so sorry when they told us they were moving to North Carolina---the neighborhood was never the same! 

My third memory was at Lisa's wedding where Suzanne took a picture of Karen and “her first grade teacher” chugging a shot together. I remember her laughing and just enjoying the moment. 

I will miss her smile, laugh and friendship.

I have so many fond memories of Suzanne. We would go to Panera in the morning quite frequently for coffee. We would just sit and talk and laugh. She was always there for me and would listen to me, truly a great friend. I remember one time I was having a really bad day and Suzanne came over and had brought me a small pot of mini roses, she was so thoughtful. 

I have such great memories of her including me being invited to some of your family dinners. I particularly enjoyed the time she made a big Italian pasta dinner, with “mob “music playing in the background and Lisa and Sam had brought Caesar out to visit. Suzanne wasn't all that thrilled about a dog in the house, but was a good sport about Caesar and quickly warmed to the idea of the little guy running around. I remember when Lisa and I conspired to put Caesar on the counter top. The look in Suzanne's eyes was priceless, but she was such a good sport about it.

One of my favorite memories of Suzanne was when we started walking around the neighborhood as we were trying to lose weight and stay healthy, I suggested we try walking the Metroparks since it was a better work- out. Well, that was our plan one day and as we started out it was nice out but a few clouds we in the sky. We decided it was a great day to walk and so we went and started to walk. We were chatting and walking and felt a few drops but thought it would blow over. So about halfway through it started to rain. We couldn't go back so we just walked faster and faster and it rained harder and harder. Of course you know the end. We were both soaked as we got to the car. We looked like a couple of drown rats at the metro parks but we were laughing so hard it didn't matter. 

I guess it doesn't sound that funny when I write it down, but you just had to be there. Obviously to this day I think of that story when I think of Suzanne (especially since your mom was always put together and looked so good). I wish we could be taking that walk today. I know she is looking down on us and laughing if she sees me retelling this tale.

In 1990 Kevin and I moved to far off Cleveland, Ohio, along with our two small children and our cat, Grover. Chris was 4 and Katie was 2. On the day we moved in, Suzanne came to our door with a smile and a plate of the most wonderful brownies. When she said she was from New York I immediately thought oh, wow, we're home! Suzanne became my personal welcome wagon, my "go to" person. She helped us settle in with ease and I am eternally grateful.

The last thing I remember Suzanne saying to me was that she and Allan were moving to North Carolina and her only regret was that she would not live across the street from us and see Chris and Katie grow up. What a loving thing to say!

It was a frightening day when the shovels began moving dirt around next door to us on Churchill Drive. We wondered what our next door neighbors would be like and what kind of relationship would we have with these NEW PEOPLE. Well, it was just a short few weeks when a car pulled up and this cute little dark haired YOUNG woman appeared. With some anxiety I went over and said "Are you going to be our neighbor ?” and Suzanne replied " I am" Well I instantly felt this will be great! 

Suzanne was soft spoken and I knew she would be a GREAT next door neighbor. Suzanne told me ( with such pride) that she had 2 daughters and I was excited (having 2 sons) I thought, oh this will be cool. We soon met Allan and then the girls who we thought were just super. We enjoyed glasses of wine and laughs over the CRAZY weather stone, whose turn it was to mow and ALL VERY PLEASANT TIMES living next to Suzanne. It was indeed a sad evening, when after a nice steak dinner on our porch, that Suzanne said Allan had accepted a nice promotion and they would be leaving Solon. We were sad for us but glad for them to be moving to a nice new area of N.C. 

Suzanne was a dear friend and a wonderful next door neighbor. We miss her but think of the good times often. She fought an amazing battle and is fondly remembered by the Albright's.

There are so many fond memories of Suzanne and I growing up together, I don't know where to begin. I was born Dec. 10, 1946 and Sue was born Aug. 15, 1947 making us 8 months apart. We were like sisters; spending the night over each other's house, Aunt Grace babysitting me when I was not in school and spending all of our birthdays and holidays together. Even when my family moved to my dad's family farm in the Phoenix-Fulton area, we still looked forward to our families visiting each other during the eighteen months we were away.

One of our favorite things to do when we were little was to play dress-up. We used a pair of satin-like dark green drapes and wrapped them up and pretended they were gowns. Often, we pretended we were celebrities, or movie stars like Betty White and Jane Wyatt. In the summer, we made little dolls out of the Hollyhock flowers that grew behind the garage on Mariposa St. and used toothpicks for the arms. There was an empty lot next door to Sue's house and we loved to roll down the hill.

I remember fondly, Sue and I were the two flower girls when Fran and Jim got married. I remember waiting and sitting quietly in the other room (which seemed like an eternity) when Sue had her piano lessons each week. I admired her so much, for the way she played, that I begged my mother to let me take piano lessons also. By that time, I was in the 6th grade and only took lessons for about two years. But every time I sit at a piano to try to play, I remember how beautifully Sue played. I still have the sheet music she gave me for "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" and remember how she and I would play a duet for "Heart and Soul" that she taught me. 

When we got older, we still were close. Sue would invite me over when she had her friends over (like Paula and Doris). We went to the same Junior High School (Lincoln). I'll never forget one sleep-over, (now don't tell anyone).... we all tried to smoke a cigarette.....uuuggghhh ! That was enough for me to never take another puff for the rest of my life. I'll never forget all the laughs and fun we had.

As young adults, we got engaged and married almost at the same time. Sue was married in June 1969 and I on July 12, 1969. I guess you can say we did a lot of things together over the years. Even, to the extent of being pregnant at the same time. Our children were born within one day apart of each other. My son, Frank was born May 22, 1977, and Sue's daughter Karen was born on May 20, 1977.

And as the years passed, our families grew and so did the distance in miles between us, there was always the joy of seeing each other at families weddings, showers and sadly funerals. That was the time we loved talking to each other, showing pictures, catching up and sharing what was going on with our families. At those times, we promised we would keep in touch and not let so much time go by without contacting each other. But, life has a way of complicating our best intentions, and time slips by without us doing the things we promised. However, I will always keep all the precious memories close to my heart.

I miss Sue more than ever now...knowing there will never be a chance to make another memory to cherish. The only thing that gives me peace is knowing she is in heaven watching over us; and knowing that someday I will join her and our spirits will be together once again. I Love you, Sue !!!

The fondest memories I have were how energetic she was and excited to hear about me playing
soccer. Every time I step on the field, I try to say a quick prayer and to say this one's for you.

The funniest memory I have and best were her meatballs. To this day, I remember stopping by your parent's house as I drove from Wilmington back to NJ and your mom cooked meatballs the night before. Well, she had leftovers so I brought home in a sandwich bag, filled with meatballs. Well, they didn't last long. I think I ate all the meatballs 2 hours into the trip popping them in like skittles. 

Anyway, there are so many memories of your mom and my aunt that I could keep on going. The best part about her was how joyful she was and the positive outlook she put on things. She always would make me smile and laugh complaining about your dad's hearing ha.

My favorite memories of Aunt Sue were when I spent my college spring breaks at her and Uncle Allan's place. While I was there I looked forward to the golf but more importantly the home cooking Aunt Sue would line up for the week. During the day Uncle Allan and I would play golf only to return to the house and be hit immediately by delicious smells coming from the kitchen. I watched Uncle Allan try and steal a taste of whatever she had spent hours preparing, whether it be meat and sauce or Aunt Sue's famous ribs. Eventually she would kick us out of the kitchen onto the porch until dinner was ready, only to bring us snacks and ice cold beers minutes later saying “You two relax and enjoy.” Her generosity and kindness is one memory that sticks out the most to me even though she made each trip as memorable as the last.

Suzanne was such a joy in our life. She radiated with so much beauty. She made us smile whether it was seeing her at the mailbox, chatting outside on our decks after a long day of work, having Sunday cookouts, teaching us how to cook, playing with our children or listening to her play the piano. 

She made everyone feel so special! Our family was lucky to have had her in our lives even though it was way too short. 

God got a special angel Friday night!

I have mostly memories of the type of person you mom was. She cared about everyone - even if she didn't know someone, she'd be concerned for them. She had time for everyone all the time because she made time. I felt important and valued when I was around your mom. And she was the most hospitable person I've ever met - she'd immediately ask me in, even if she just woke from a nap or was ironing - and she always made me feel at home, not like I was interrupting. I guess all these things show how much she cared about others. She valued everyone, everyone.

My fondest memories of my Aunt Sue and her side kick "Ralph" Allan Garner always seemed to center around two specific seasons. Summer days when they were able were often spent at my parents pool where the beer was always cold, food was plenty and the pool was always full of people. My parents always had plenty of floating devices available and Aunt Sue took advantage of them. The evil "Ralph" was always conspiring to knock her off of hers. Of course you know this came after multitudes of warnings from Aunt Sue hair, makeup etc not wanting to get wet. You had to be there to see the painstaking effort Aunt Sue took to get on the floating device without getting any water on her. It never stopped "Ralph" and just after she was comfortable and her guard was down, the tip over occurred which of course started the water fight to which all of us joined in. By the time it was over all we were soaked and laughter was loud. 

I remember one specific incident regarding the fad of the day, bleached jeans to which "Ralph" wanted to make his own. So with a new pool product known as "liquid chlorine" he set out to make his custom bleached jeans. As "Ralph" laid the new jeans on the grass by the pool, the ever so smart Aunt Sue advised the SU/SUNY ESF graduate that the only thing that he was going to accomplish was killing good grass. When the process was finished, you had blotchy blue jeans and a perfect stencil of a pair of jeans now represented by yellow grass. Again laughter was loud. I remember that day like it was yesterday. 

When winter came it was Christmas time, Aunt Sue was always in charge of setting up the presents in the finished basement at Grandma and Grandma's house. (Great Grandma and Grandpa Calarco's on Mariposa Street in Syracuse, New York.) This was all done of course after Aunt Sue, Grandma Calarco and my mother (Aunt Frances) and Aunt Lorraine (Uncle Ross's wife, Cousin Graces Mom)fried really stinky fish all day. This was a tradition followed by Italian Americans for years and since we all have some olive oil flowing through our veins, this applies to our parents and us! It was so bad, they all hung their clothes outside because of the smell of the fish on them. Trust me it was bad and if I close my eyes, I can still smell it! (Yuck) Then at the end before all the family arrived at the Calarco residence, Aunt Sue made sure all the presents to be exchanged were neatly place in order in the finished basement of the house. Aunt Sue was always the best at making your pile of presents look bigger than what it was. She never wanted anyone to fell short changed. 

Then after a gigantic meal of yucky fish, we all stumbled to the basement where you received your presents. My Aunt Sue really enjoyed this time because I think for at least one day in the year, she saw everybody smile. I know how much family meant to her and I think she took tremendous joy in watching other people be happy. 

If I had one wish in life, it would be for all members of our family those still here, those not to be able to spend one more old fashioned Christmas Eve at the Calarco residence. I truly cherish those days and I am so glad I experienced them and I am also sad, so many of us did not. 

I know my Aunt Sue is upstairs looking down and laughing while she reads what I am typing and as always, she has that smile on her face that was always present.

I have many wonderful memories of DEAR Suzanne.

One of the things that we liked to do was go to model homes. One particular day we went to the new Martha Stewart neighborhood. We had so much fun going through the homes commenting like a bunch of mean crows. It seemed like each home had progressively worse decor. The last home we went into had BLING end tables. They were so awful. We kept commenting how they looked very Vegas. We laughed so hard. I kept saying we would be in trouble if they had speaker systems in the home and were listening to our comments.

With Suzanne there was always warm and candid conversation. I know how much you were all loved. She loved Lauren and Maddie so much. I know how excited she would get to show me the most recent pictures and share with me about her trips to visit everyone. I even liked hearing about the little doggie!

Not a day goes by that I don't drive by the house and think about Suzanne. She had a wonderful way of making you feel special. I know that your family has a beautiful angel watching over all of you. I feel blessed to have called your mom a friend.

My fondest memories of Sue are all the times I've sat in the kitchen and watched her make her spaghetti sauce. To her it was never a chore but to do something she loved to do for you. Usually the conversation then turned to reminiscing about Grandma Calarco and the Sunday dinners she would have. It was always fun to talk about the younger years.

I remember taking my kids when they were younger to your mom's house for trick or treat and they were always so excited. They thought she had some of the best candy and she always had a big smile on her face when she answered the door. It made the kids feel great! Even for a couple of years after they got too old to trick or treat they went to her house anyway.

I remember going on a walk or riding by the house and seeing her or hearing her play the piano. I never was in the same room with her when she played but sure wish I had been.

I remember running into her so many times in the grocery store and we would complain to each other about having to decide every night what we were going to make for dinner. We would always say "It is not making the dinner that is a pain. It is figuring out what we are going to make".

And last but not least I remember laughing and talking about everything from kid stuff to husband stuff to just ordinary everyday stuff while drinking wine and having dinner at Stonewood.

Two memories about your Mom. They came down to visit us in Charleston probably five or six years ago, maybe longer. Your Mom did not really want to go, but your Dad convinced her (I guess your Mom was a little shy?) and said that she had met both Charlie and I and it would be fine, we do not bite. On the way to Charleston, your Dad dropped the fact that my sister and her husband were also going to be staying at the house. She did not find out about our other friends until she walked in the house. The first morning, she came down to breakfast all dressed up, hair, makeup, dressed nice. We (the girls) were all still in our PJs, robes and no makeup. The second day was makeup and hair, but in her robe. The third day she felt comfortable enough with us that she looked as bad (or good) as we did. We had a great time for the trip, had lots of laughs, good food (cooked by my brother in law) and lots to drink. You know how nice it is when you have some new ears in the group, so we got to tell our old stories and your Mom and Dad got a kick out of them!

Also, during that trip the girls went shopping to Charleston while the guys played golf. What a kick we got out of your Mom at one of the jewelry stores, she tried on every pair of diamond earrings in the store and then said thank you and walked out. The rest of us could never have been able to do that, we would have had to buy something. We could have learned from her how not to spend money and still have a good time.

When I think of Suzanne, I hear music.

The music we could hear outside on our neighborhood street, floating through the air when Suzanne was in her front room playing the piano. And the music she shared with her piano students. 

When my son was about 8 we decided that he should take piano lessons. Lucky for us, one of the most caring, best teachers lived just across the street. He took lessons with Suzanne for about 3 years learning his scales and other pieces. She generously shared her joy for teaching children and musical talents with him. His level of preparation did not always meet Suzanne's expectations. And she didn't just let him off the hook; she expected the same level of dedication from her students that she brought to each lesson. He finally caught on and enjoyed the time he got to spend with Suzanne. 

It was fun to see him run to the Garner's house, knowing that the next half hour would be spent pursuing something he enjoyed with someone who loved what she was doing. One of the highlights for me was attending his one and only piano recital. Suzanne organized it beautifully and I can still visualize him up on the stage with his nice shirt and pants on, playing his selected piece with such pride. I was proud too. He didn't end up continuing with piano beyond his lessons with Suzanne, but he still goes into our living room from time-to-time, gets out one of his music books, sits down to play a piece he learned under Suzanne's watchful eyes, and makes me smile.

He loves music, and I attribute that to a great foundation supplied by Suzanne.

We all agree that she left us too soon; her life meant so much to so many.

Your Mom was such a special lady and loved her family and friends so much. My fondest memory was finding her at TJ Maxx NO matter what time or day I happened to mosey on in there. We both loved a bargain shopping experience. They just closed the TJ's near Cary Towne Center where I used to see her but I know she would be SO excited that we now have one at the new shopping center near our house. I haven't had a chance to stop in there yet but I know your Mom will be in my thoughts when I do. I may have to buy a pair of shoes in her honor.

As you probably know, your mom and I met in the fall of 1966 when we were pledging our sorority. We became friends right away----2 Italian, Catholic girls in the big school. It was the next fall when we moved into the sorority house that we became close.

She was already so in love with your dad and I with Sandy----It dominated our conversations! Senior year, we roomed next door to each other and grew even closer, planning our weddings etc. She loved to play the piano in the living room and always had an audience in me.

We always stayed in touch but didn't see each other ,after our weddings, for a few years. We came to Syracuse 4 years after graduation and your parents were living in Fulton. (last week, Sandy and I took a day trip and drove through Fulton and mentioned how we had been to Alan and Suzanne's and were even able to identify the general area where they lived!) We had dinners together and then your dad was transferred. They came back a few times and we met for dinner but saw each other rarely. But, we always kept in touch.

You may not remember but…..when our son Marc lived in Raleigh, we all went to dinner!

When your mom was diagnosed----we spoke more often. She was always "no nonsense"-----"Ok Judy, here are the facts and then let's talk about other things"! Her favorite topic was you, Lisa and "her girls". We exchanged pictures of the little ones and were so delighted to be grandmas! I hope you know how much she loved you and your dad. She never stopped telling me how lucky she was to have Alan and how he never wavered in his love and caring for her. She kept encouraging me to get Sandy to retire and for us to have "time".
I only regret how we planned to stay in Hilton Head together and it never worked.

I will never forget her courage and never give up attitude. I feel honored to have had her as my friend. I think about her every day.

I am thinking about memories from your mom and I have so many..first of all, she always remembered me and most of all, my children around holidays (b-days, etc) she would send the cutest gifts all wrapped up and a beautiful card with a note sign in it because of her love of music :)....I enjoyed her many visits to my house and we had so many talks together, she always said you and I were so much alike!!!! I also remember the way she treated my mom, Bella and I when we went there for our visit, the food, the talks, the memories are forever with me!! 

The memory I have that is most meaning full is when I was going through a hard time and started having anxiety really bad, Aunt Sue called me and talked to me forever and really helped me through that hard time in my life...she was such a sweet spoken, caring person and I miss her all the time...I look at her picture often too!

Your mom was a great woman and I am blessed to have her as my friend. I know she was my friend, because of this memory: She told me one day that if she had not met me at the clinic and had met me somewhere else, I would still be her friend. My heart is warmed each time I think of these sweet words. 

We talked often about meeting for coffee and spending time together away from the hospital. We never had the opportunity, but she is a living memory in my heart. 

We shared stories of her grandchildren and of my 2 great nieces and one great nephew who call me Mimi (their special grandma). I shared with her and your Dad that Mitchell and I take ballroom dance classes for exercise and to improve Mitchell's symptoms of Parkinson's disease. She smiled and said she would love to take dance classes also. We talked about doing classes together, even though we knew her health may not permit it, but we shared a dream. 

After she completed one set of treatments, the hospital chaplain asked her if she was going to celebrate, she said she was afraid to, I gave her a Bible verse book from the clinic nurses. Months later when she returned for more treatments she stated that she read the verses often and was more at ease and peace. 

I know the last time I saw her she hugged me and told me she loved me and I returned the hug and love. I can still feel her tenderness and love. 

Suzanne blessed many lives and left many special memories. I thank God that our lives came together and I look forward to seeing her again in heaven.


My most fond memory of Sue is our lunches. We would spend a few hours sitting at a restaurant on a Saturday afternoon talking. Two or three hours would pass by and we wouldn't even notice how late it was. She was the easiest person to talk to, confide in, and share with. I miss her!

I just happen to think about how we used to take you and Jill out for lunch, hide the McDonalds from Lisa and Renee, drop you off at Kindergarten and then either go shopping or definitely have coffee around your kitchen table.   Sometimes we would go visit Mariposa Dr., more coffee and some laughs. 
 
Your dad and mom and Zamp and I had some interesting nights.  We went to the Hotel Syracuse bar, called the Library, they served more than books and we danced.  Oh don't forget how she went along with your dad on the play dough penis.  Sweet Sue just sat there and got me going to look at your dad.  He had shorts on and holy cow there it hung.  Zamp and I wanted to die laughing.  You kids were all playing out back but boy did he handle his thing when you all came up.

You mom playing the piano was a favorite of mine. I could listen to her play all day.

I can still hear her talking sternly to Trixie.  Outside. 

The Patrick circle neighbors all came by for coffee too. She took me to garden club of Fulton and we would have monthly work and drink meetings.  Sometimes ending up at Tops Market at 10:00 p.m. for an outing.  

The day that you and Jill fished in my aquarium in the basement your mom just yelled ALLEN take her home.  We all laughed and your mom insisted you take after your dad.  

I remember leaving Renee with her to watch while we took Jill to the ER. She had a cut on her forehead.  On the way home we passed your mom on the bridge with Renee in the car, she had sliced her chin on Lisa's bed post.  Your mom was so sweet with Renee.  We all laughed about it because your mom always said, she'll be ok with me.

I miss her ears that listened to me, when I was happy or sad.  I miss her music that always made me happy.   I miss her.

We met Sue and Al in 1970 when they moved to Ithaca for Al's job with Ithaca Gun Co.  I still remember that first meeting in the lobby of the Tower Club at Ithaca College.  There was sleek, svelte Sue meeting me, very pregnant with our second son.  Al's surprise at my size registered in his eyes, but Sue's smile never faltered!  We became fast friends!  We spent evenings at each other's homes, honing our culinary skills.  I still remember the first time we had dinner at Sue and Al's.  As an appetizer, she served cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto…I had never had prosciutto…and dessert was orange sherbet dished up in orange rind shells!   We rang in each New Year together at our house, often with Patti and Mike – another Ithaca Gun couple.  Over the years, we shared many a recipe, and I still use them; they are some of my favorites.

I don't ever remember seeing Sue when she wasn't completely put together.  I recall one very early morning when our oldest son, John III, fell and split his forehead open on a wooden bench.  John was at work, and Jason, just a few months old, asleep in his crib.  Frantic, I called Sue and asked her if she could stay with Jason while I took John to the emergency room.  She agreed, but said she had to get dressed. I waited for her to arrive, expecting sweats and a ponytail; but when she walked in, she was completely made up and beautifully dressed...as she was always.

Some of our most poignant memories are wrapped around evenings spent on the floor!  Ithaca Gun decided to “downsize”, and Al was one of the targets.  Sue and I cried together, both of us scared for the future and sad for the change it meant for all of us.  To help assuage our fear and grief, we spent evenings at our house.  We put the kids to bed, our boys in their rooms, and Lisa in the master bedroom.  John and I had just added a dining room to our home.  Although it had no furniture, it did have luscious soft midnight blue carpet!  I'm not sure why, but we decided that was the place to gather; so we sat on the floor and – with a cardboard box as a table – toasted our tenuous futures with Andre's Cold Duck!   (Remember, we were just starting out, and it was what we could afford!)  We laughed and cried together… I think John and Al did some cursing of Ithaca Gun as well.  It was a time we all needed; and we needed each other – to share our anger and face our fears.

Sue and Al were our first “grown-up friends”.  We had met during the period in our lives when we were forming; and the bond became a part of who we are.  While it was a sad time for us when Sue and Al had to move from Ithaca, we never lost touch.  Over the years (and across the states), we continued to spend weekends at each other's homes and share family milestones – and Cold Duck was always there (although eventually it could just sit on the table) – a symbol of hardships overcome and dreams achieved.   

We are so grateful to have Sue (and Al) in our lives.  We are so grateful that the hopes we hoped and the dreams we shared those long nights on the dining room floor came to pass for each of us: comfort, stability, a strong marriage, and a loving family.  The regret, of course, is that Sue did not have as much time to enjoy it as she deserved, or as we wish; but she did have it, and she treasured its significance.  Today she lives on in each of us…in memories, in shared moments and traditions, and in her beautiful daughters and granddaughters.  We are blessed by her presence.

I've been thinking about your mom and all the things we did--since we were so close in age we really grew up together--I was the pain in the ass little niece grandma and Aunt Frances expected her to drag me with her where ever she went. So even though she was the baby of the Calarco family I was the first grandchild/niece and gave her a taste of dealing with younger siblings!

From the time we were young we were always getting into trouble--sliding down the banister at grandma's and breaking grandma's favorite desk lamp (we blamed it on uncle Pat's dog that somehow got into the house).  I can  also remember  your mom deciding that she needed  chocolate on a Friday night--she'd make fudge, eating it and then exercise by holding the door knob and doing squats and leg lifts before going to bed to work off the calories--.  I also remember that as we got older your mom had to clean the upstairs bathroom on Saturday mornings--It would take her all day to do it because she was constantly on the princess phone that was in the hall right outside the bathroom door --planning what she was going to do once the bathroom was clean-- it was really funny to watch.

I also remember her taking me out driving when I was learning to drive--she had nerves of steel and didn't flinch when I hit the brakes a little too hard or made a too wide or not wide enough turn--she'd just shake her head and say that I was and would always be impossible.  Then once I got my license we would switch cars at the Holiday Bowl (which was a bowling alley that had outdoor entertainment in the summer--) if she wanted to go somewhere other than there because grandpa checked the mileage and gas on his car and my mother didn't.

She also was left in charge of my brother, sister and I when my parents went on some trip--needless to say I had party that got a little out of control and the police, the nosey priest from Blessed Sacrament were involved -- Aunt Frances and Uncle Jim were less that happy that doors in the basement were on upside down--oh well at least they were back on and we got all the beer bottles out of the pool without tearing the liner.  To my surprise the neighbors didn't make comments!!! 

I can also remember taking Polaroid pictures of her posing in bikini's to send to your father while he was in Vietnam--she didn't want anyone but your father to see the pictures so regular film that had to be developed was out of the question--your mom was always on the shy side.

I cannot believe that she is gone--thinking about all the things we did growing up --the trips to NYC, Story Town, Ghost Town, The Enchanted Forest--picnics at Fair Haven Beach--going to Suburban Park to ride the rides and go carts-  Holidays at grandmas-- Your mom very pregnant with Lisa dancing with your father at my wedding--Visiting you guys while you lived in Fulton and you calling Trixie that damn dog because that's what your mother called her-- makes me sad that there will be no new memories of her.  Your mom was one special lady who was truly loved.

Shortly after Sue and Al moved in beside us in Solon Oh, Mike & me (Jo Ann) we took over a bottle of wine and four glasses and introduced ourselves. That was a start of a great friendship that has survived over 30 years.

When the weather warmed up Mike and Al went golfing. Sue and I were waiting for them to get back so we thought we would mix us up a drink and wait for them. Sue gets two glasses out and is going to make us a Gin & Tonic. Well we got to laughing and Sue gets the Gin bottle and starts to fill the glass! I said stop! We only need a shot of Gin not the whole glass of Gin. We would not be awake when our guys get home if we drank all that. Then we got to laughing again. We really didn't need the drinks to have fun.

They moved away and we had moved from Ohio, and one day Sue called me and said she found the perfect coffee for me.(I don't drink coffee) it was Starbucks Mocha coffee. ( the chocolate killed the coffee taste ) I would go get my Starbucks and we would have our phone call and our coffee like nothing had changed.

I still miss her when I have my Mocha.

Sue was a friend who added more to my life than life itself. Whenever I was down she was there to cheer me on. When I was feeling "up" she could share in my moments. There was nothing Sue wouldn't do or couldn't do? The memories are countless.....

Sue's Mom and her biscotti…I miss them
Sue's piano and her playing…I miss her
Our shopping to TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning and Marshall's....so many laughs and bargains for us both..I feel like when I am at one of those stores she is right beside me...I miss her
Our Saturday night outs with our hubbies...I miss her
Our home decorating thoughts we shared....I miss her

How about the time Lisa told us not to pull the sides of our eyes when putting on eye make-up...then we worried TOGETHER that we had ruined our eyes for life.....I miss her

I miss her most when it is time to sit down and have a cup of tea...I did that the other day and I knew Sue was right there in spirit sharing with me ......I miss her.

Thank you God for giving me Sue! She was a true blessing to us all.

As you know, my fondest memories of your mom involve the last 7 or 8 years that we met every Friday night at 6PM in the corner booth at Stonewood. Our favorite appetizer was the Blue Cheese Chips. When your mom was on a liquid diet, they would even heat it up for her and serve it with our meals. Sometimes we were joined by the Hipps, and our most fun was when you or Molly could be part of the corner group!!! 

I also loved the evenings we spent talking, laughing, solving the problems of the world on their back porch. It was always decorated with a moose or 2 or 3 and lots of candles.

The Christmas Eve party at our house was always a fun combination of shared appetizers, beer pong in the garage, and good family fun with friends who have become family over the years of sharing and caring.

Memories flood back at all different times --- like when I was taking out my few Halloween decorations and found the darling ghost candles your mom had given me. She had the most wonderful decorations for every holiday and always decorated to the max.

Thinking of your mom, makes my heart smile. I know she is watching over all of us. 

I talk to her on my way home from school every day about 4PM, just like I did for years. That was our time to share our day with each other. It was so frustrating when the phone was busy and I couldn't leave a message....no call waiting!!!

I have many memories of Sue, as you would expect, having known her since we were 5 years old! I shared the most vivid childhood memories with you all that day I visited in the hospital. 

Driving around in her dad's T-Bird, "playing" with the Madame Alexander dolls, skipping school - the one and only time - and being terrified we'd get caught, are just a few. 

My favorite, by far, is sitting in her sunroom listening to her practice piano. She just wanted to be done so we could go off and do whatever but I was in no hurry. I loved listening to her play! 

She introduced me to zinnias which I am still trying to grow in Florida! I have two plants in pots which are doing quite well! 

My favorite go to recipe for a casual dinner comes from her also: bacon/mushroom burgers. We had them tonight as a matter of fact! 

I think of her often, when I'm watering those zinnias or hearing a Beach Boy song. Living in The Villages I hear a lot of oldies! 

Although our adult lives took us in different directions, we were friends for 59 years and when we talked we could pick up right where we left off no matter if 2 weeks or 2 years had passed! 

In our last conversation in the hospital, I asked her to save me a seat. I know she will. She always did.

I met Suzanne the fall of 1965 when we were freshmen at SU.  She was assigned to my dorm - Winchell Hall - which was torn  down to make way for the student center.  We were both in the School of Music,  and hit it off right away.  We had the best time that year.  We could be very silly and laughed a lot.  We both had George Mulfinger as our piano professor.  He gave us an assignment together - Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. It was a duet and he said "Please don't ruin it!"   What a thing to say.  Of course, we didn't ruin it.  It was beautiful!!  That year, my boyfriend was Jody Root.  When we broke up and I was heartbroken, Suzanne comforted me.  Sophomore year a new girl came on the scene - Barb Marble - also in the music school.  Barb and Sue joined the same sorority.  Suzanne met a lifelong friend there - Judy Battaglia.  We all married after college and kept in touch, mostly at Christmas.  In later years, we began calling each other and that was great - to hear her voice.  Suzanne, I love you.

I met Suzanne in August, 1983, in Solon, Ohio. We remained friends throughout the 28 years we knew each other – no matter where each of us moved or how long non-contact times occurred.

We were friends for always. We could share anything; we were there for each other, always by phone or mail. No matter how long we didn't talk, the next time we just picked up where we left off. We were always on the same wave length. We knew it, we felt it, we shared it. I now miss it.

For 3 years (1983-1986) the two of us enjoyed doing ordinary, everyday things together. We shopped, we antiqued, we did dance exercise, we raised our children, we shared decorating ideas for our homes, we complained about our mothers, and many more regular things. But what we especially enjoyed was sitting at a kitchen table (hers or mine) drinking cups of tea and talking for hours. We did this almost every week day, after we sent our children to school and our husbands were long gone to work. It was just the 2 of us taking on the world. 

A particular event occurred in January, 1986, when we were out on one of our shopping trips. On this day we heard a radio announcement that the US Shuttle, the Challenger, had disintegrated on takeoff [this was the first shuttle to be a failure]. We fell silent and then turned to one another to express our sadness at the loss of the 7 astronauts and what this loss will mean to their families, friends, and the entire country. We then agreed how lucky we were to each have a loving family and great friends, especially each other. We knew how quickly we could lose either family or friends. We also knew we needed each other and we would always be friends no matter what. And we are still Friends Forever.

The memory I like is when Allan and Mike took Suzanne and I golfing sometime in the fall a long time ago.  They wanted us to learn the game, and Allan was getting pretty serious about the whole thing, so that is when Suzanne gave me the signal and we each whipped out our red wax lips to put on!  Everyone got a kick out of that, and it made for a really fun golf game!

When I was out looking for light fixtures, and I called Suzanne to see if she could run over to look at what I had picked out, she of course did...it was right down the street from her house.  We were sitting at the counter as the sales guy was ordering some different shades for the fixture because your Mom had observed a defect in some of the shades.  He asked something and I said that I would be out of town..leaving for London tonight I said.  When he found out I went every week he asked: "What do you do?"  and Suzanne, without hesitating, replied "drugs,"  "she sells drugs"  (and your Mom said it so matter-of-factly)!   I went along with it and we really had him going.....quite funny!!!!!

Every single memory I have about Aunt Sue is a great memory. By that I mean we never had an argument, said anything negative to each other or fought about anything at all! Nothing! So, every time I think about Aunt Sue and I, it's always with fondness, love and admiration. 

Speaking about admiring her, I used to try hard to 1. Dress like her 2. Fix my hair like her and 3. Stand and walk like her. I was so strange. But I just looked up to her so much. Now she was seven years older. I can remember when she was 14 and I was 7, I couldn't wait to be her age. I thought at 14, you could do anything at all. Little did I know. Aunt Sue never let anyone treat me mean. She was the big sister every little girl wanted. 

Two memories stand out in my head. Grandma subscribed to “McCalls” magazine, among others, but in McCalls, every month there were paper dolls. Aunt Sue would cut them out and give then to me every time. I treasured them. I had them in a special drawer and I took them out once in a while to share with my friends. I had tons by the time I was 12. 

My second great memory of Aunt Sue is when every chance she had, she would drag me upstairs to the bathroom up there and start dressing me up. First with any silly get ups she had for play dress. Then came the hair. She would curl it, dry it, tease it and pull it. When that was perfect, the makeup came out. This part I loved. She would do my face up in tons of makeup, then wash it off and start again. I was in there forever! I just wonder where our parents were!

I could go on and on. I love and miss her so so much.

Some of my fondest memories of my dear sweet aunt are from my childhood. Grandpa worked either evenings or nights so my mom frequently picked her up after school from Nottingham High School. I must have been 6 or 7 years old at the time. I looked forward to those days because we would drive her home and then stop in to see grandma and grandpa if he wasn't working or sleeping. She would often come over to our house for dinner especially if my mom was making one of her favorite meals like veal cutlets. She was fun and spent a lot of time with Annie and me while we were growing up. I can remember times when she would play around with our hair and put make-up on us. She was like a big sister and we looked up to her. She liked to do “paint by number” so I got into doing them. She was always up on fashion so if Aunt Sue wore the latest style I wanted to wear it. I loved when she went downtown shopping with us. 

In later years, I always looked forward to our weekly phone calls when we could catch up on what was going on with everyone. Before I went back to work, we would talk while my kids were in school but once I began working it became a Saturday 9 a.m. ritual. I can remember her telling me that I was her life line to everybody in Syracuse. I just loved talking with her!

I think of her sooooo often, and still have to remind myself that I can't call my Girlfriend. 

You talk about memories...I have so many. We somehow managed to dress alike so often. One night your folks, Mark and I were going out-they walked across the street, I opened the door, and there we both stood...white pants, black tops. We did go out, both dressed like that. A little girl asked us if we were twins, and of course we said yes, but she was the older one! (I am a year older) We actually do have matching tops that must be 20 years old...mine doesn't fit any more, but I can't part with it.

When your dad commuted to Boston, your mom came out to dinner with Mark and me one particular night. She had said earlier that day that she was the third wheel. I had this big blow-up man doll that someone gave me for my 50th. birthday, so we put "Stiffy" the doll in the back seat and drove over to get your mom. I can't tell you how hard we laughed when she got in the car to find her "date".

These memories make me smile, but with a heavy heart.

Suzanne Garner was always concerned that everyone was happy and would unselfishly try her best to ensure no one's joy was missing. Many people can exhibit this character when everything is in their favor, but Suzanne's nature was genuine in total. I know this to be true because my last memory of Suzanne was spending time with her and the family near the end. 

At that moment in her life the family spent time comforting Suzanne and letting her know she was in our hearts. It was during this grief that Suzanne only thought of how much sorrow everyone was experiencing. Instead of us comforting Suzanne, she comforted us. My personal memory will always be telling her how much I loved her and her reaching out to rub my hand and remind me how highly she thought of me. This simple and truest display of compassion will stay with me my entire life. 

How many people would only think of others in their most difficult time? Suzanne did and this only made her more beautiful. My life is immensely better because I knew Suzanne and she cared about my joy. I hope throughout life to always remember this purest form of love, and to at least mirror a fraction of this example in my own journey.

Although I was almost 19 years old when my sister Suzanne was born, we always had a very close and loving relationship. There never was any sibling rivalry. 

Sue was only 4 years older than my daughter Anne; 9 years older than my daughter Carol and 12 years older than my son Peter. Sue grew up with my children and went everywhere with them - - even on vacations to Santa Land at “The North Pole”, The Enchanted Forest, etc. When Sue married, Peter was the ring bearer and Anne and Carol were Bridesmaids. 

During Sue's adult years, although we were at times separated by many miles, our close and loving relationship was even more meaningful. We always kept in close contact. I wonder how many sisters can say that they never had a serious disagreement and stopped talking to each other. I am very happy and proud to be able to say we never did. I think we both loved each other too much to let anything diminish that love.

Mom,

How do I put a lifetime of loving you into words on a page? I simply cannot. But you will always be these things to me and more:


A loving hug,

The twinkle of the piano keys,

Singing,

Advice on my outfits,

Words of encouragement,

Our mochas,

Cooking with love,

Advice on college,

Watching me dance,

Sauce on Sundays,

Leaving notes of love,

Advice on motherhood,

Watching me become a mother,

Never telling me what to do,

Telling me what to do,

Decorating my house,

Becoming a grandmother,

Loving Lauren and Madeleine,

Stronger than you knew,

Always in my heart.

Your loving daughter, 
Lisa

Dear Mama, 

Although you say I always have a smile on my face, my heart is heavy and my smiles are few and far between. I miss you terribly. Losing you was like the sky falling down. You never expect the sky to fall down; the sky is always there and always will be. And that's exactly how I felt about you.

The one thing you always said to Lisa and I was that you just want us to be happy. You always called me your Sunshine Baby because I was always happy and that was because of you. You taught me everything I know and I learned what life is about from the love you showed us all. 

There are so many memories that I hold on to â€“ it is likely that I would remember many of these things anyway, but I think I hold on to them tighter because they are now what I have to remind me of you, and to keep you a part of me. I will always remember you playing the piano, how beautiful it sounded and what joy it brought you. You passed on that love of music to me and I will never stop playing. I know when I create my songs you will be right there by my side listening as you always did. Your love for the piano was only matched by your love to cook. As it was passed down from Grandma, I will always remember you making sauce on Sundays. The kitchen engulfed in the aroma of homemade sauce simmering on the stove. You cooked with such love and it brought people together. I will carry on that Sunday trait and make you proud.

Besides Lisa and I, your greatest joy was to do for others. You never put yourself before anyone else. You would go out of your way to reach those in need and were always there for those who needed you. You enriched so many lives in so many ways. Family and friends meant the world to you and you passed along that kindness in me and I am forever grateful.

You are in everything I see, I feel, the air I breathe, you are with me always and forever. When the sun shines the warmth that surrounds me will be your arms giving me a hug. When the cool wind blows softly on my face it will be you giving me kisses. 
You are beautiful inside and out and were an inspiration to everyone around you.

I won't say goodbye, I'll just say until we meet again.

I love you and will carry you forever in my heart.

Love always,
K

OBITUARY

Suzanne Garner

15 August, 1947 – 3 June, 2011

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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