Suzanne Whitney

Cobleskill- Suzanne H. Whitney, 60, of Washington Ave., died unexpectedly on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady.

She was a beloved music educator at the Cobleskill-Richmondville School District for 37 years and an audio engineer for over 20 years. Before her teaching career began, she had the honor of singing at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, and would often talk about how she had never felt more patriotic than in that moment. She spent many years as the director of the choral group SPECTRUM, and directed over 50 musicals. Her students will never forget singing “The Cat Came Back” with her, recording lip-sync videos, or Christmas caroling around town. She was dedicated to her work and her family, and always knew the names of her students. She made everyone feel welcome and at home, no matter where they were. Her patience and selflessness was unlike any other, and she loved every person whose life she touched. Some of her other extracurriculars included playing cards with her son, baking with her daughter and teaching her husband the love of cook, adjudicating vocal solos for NYSSMA, writing new songs for her classes, and spending time on the water. She spent her quiet time reading, spending time with her dogs, and keeping her plants happy.

A funeral liturgy will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 138 Washington Ave., Cobleskill.  Family and friends are also invited to a period of visitation to be held at the church from 4 to 7PM on Friday, January 3, 2020.  Cremation will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Suzanne Head Whitney Memorial Scholarship at Cobleskill-Richmondville Education Foundation c/o Gayle Westervelt, 155 Washington Ave., Cobleskill, NY 12043, Marathon For a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187 or American Diabetes Assoc., 5 Pine West Plaza  Suite 505, Albany, NY 12205.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill.