Obituary of Susan J. McKay

Susan J. McKay, 71, of Albany, NY was called into eternal life on Saturday, November 6, 2010 following a long illness. Born in Amsterdam, NY on November 11, 1938 she was the daughter of the late William and Ruth Shuttleworth McKay. Miss McKay attended Amsterdam city schools and was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She went on to receive a BA degree from Keuka College and, in 1975, a Master's degree from Russell Sage College. Susan was an educator with the East Greenbush Central School District for 32 years. Susan began her career with the district at the Donald P. Sutherland School in 1962; later teaching at Green Meadow, Red Mill and Genet. She was an energetic and committed 6th grade teacher who used creative ideas to heighten student interest and encourage discussion and class participation. She inspired her students with accounts of her extensive travels to countries such as Italy, Egypt and Ethiopia. In 1992 she was selected for inclusion in "Who's Who Among American Teachers" which honored a select 5% of our nation's teachers. An avid reader, Susan would often research and investigate anything she took an interest in. She loved to cook, sew, quilt and bird watch. She also enjoyed her feline friends. She will be sadly missed by all of the lives she touched and who she loved. She is survived by her life partner, Frederick Richmond of Albany, NY; two brothers, John "Jack" Susanne McKay of Lafayette, LA and David McKay Michele Pasquarelli of Glenville, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Service of Remembrance on Saturday, November 13th, 2010 at 11 o'clock at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev. Dr. James Morris officiating. Interment of her remains will follow in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam. A calling hour will precede the service beginning at 10 o'clock at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, PO Box 11190, Albany, NY 12211 in Susan's name.