Obituary of Susan Christine Foote

Niskayuna - Susan Christine Foote, 69, of Niskayuna, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 19, 1952 in Niskayuna, she was the daughter of Ernest P. Starsiak and the late Angela (Parillo).

Susan was committed to her faith, family, and friends. A life-long area resident, she was a graduate of Mohonasen High School. After her career at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, she redirected her focus to being a loving parent. She nurtured, inspired, and compassionately created a strong foundation for her family. Her love of life was manifested in her smile, kindness, humor, and encouragement.

You could always count on Susan to be a loving partner, parent, daughter, and friend. She had a deep regard for others and lit up every room she entered. Susan took a genuine interest in learning about everything that was important to her loved ones. She was always available to laugh with, to cry with and consistently offered the best advice. Her world-renowned Italian meatballs, Babka bread, and Thanksgiving stuffing are now memorable traditions. Some of Susan's most cherished memories with her family included annual New Year's Eve celebrations in Lake Placid, walks on the boardwalk in Cape May, and vacations in Chatham. The museums in London and Paris and churches of Italy were among some of Susan's favorite destinations. She was always excited about family experiences; whether it was helping to decorate her daughter's house in Saratoga, walking on the beaches of Quogue, or dancing at a silent disco in the Caribbean. Her children will remember her not only as their mother, but also as their confidant, role model and friend.

Susan is survived by her beloved husband and high-school sweetheart, Howard Steven, whom she married in September 1980; son, Kevin Mackenzie (Shannon); daughter, Jenna Elysse (Michael Casey). She was known as Mimi to her adored grandson, Mason Stephen. Susan is also survived by her father Ernest P. Starsiak, her sister Linda A. Lucca, and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home at 149 Old Loudon Road in Latham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College in Loudonville on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. For those who would like to attend the Chapel Mass at Siena College, please register at https://www.siena.edu/offices/chaplain-s-office/mass-registration-special/. Interment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.

Memorial contributions can be made in Susan's name to benefit the Grotto at Siena College. Contributions may be sent c/o Siena College Development & External Affairs, 515 Loudon Road in Loudonville, NY 12211, noting the "Susan C. Foote Memorial".

For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.