On Friday, September 3, 2021, Susan Lapham Spalding passed away at the age of 85. Susan Millen Lapham was born in Syracuse, New York on October 12, 1935. She grew up in Syracuse and then attended the Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut, graduating in 1953. Her family moved to Skaneateles, NY in 1953. Sue attended Smith College graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She married Joseph Wilcox Spalding II on September 21, 1957. Together they traveled to Brazil where Joseph (Joe) was working as a geologist. They returned to Skaneateles in 1958 where they raised their three sons.
In Skaneateles, Susan volunteered on many causes serving on the Boards of the Junior League of Syracuse and Planned Parenthood, and was President of the Skaneateles Jaycettes. In 1975, Susan earned her Masters of Arts in Education from SUNY-Cortland and began her career as a Social Studies Teacher in Skaneateles High School. She taught a generation of Skaneateles students, especially proud of her Model UN program, before retiring. Susan continued with her volunteer work with the St. James Church Altar Guild, Skaneateles Historical Society and Laker Limo driver. Sue was also a passionate historian for the Creamery, dedicating much of her time to creating rich historical records of the deep boating tradition on and around Skaneateles Lake. She cultivated beautiful flower gardens and enjoyed her bridge, golf leagues and book clubs, always keeping busy.
Joe and Sue traveled extensively in their later years, taking trips to the UK, Ireland, France, Alaska, Brazil, and other interesting cruises. They also journeyed on their own excursions on the boat Joe built (the Samuel Clyde) and took lengthy road trips around the country visiting friends and family.
Susan was predeceased by her husband Joseph (Sept 2, 2021). She is survived by her sons Curtis (m. Patrice Milos), Joseph (m. Irene Gonin) and William (m. Molly Newlin) and Grandchildren Henry, Hannah, Alexander, Nicholas, Victoria, Lisa and Evan.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 9th from 5-7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral Service will be held at St James Church, Skaneateles on Friday, September 10th at 10am, burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. James Church or the Skaneateles Historical Society.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
In Skaneateles, Susan volunteered on many causes serving on the Boards of the Junior League of Syracuse and Planned Parenthood, and was President of the Skaneateles Jaycettes. In 1975, Susan earned her Masters of Arts in Education from SUNY-Cortland and began her career as a Social Studies Teacher in Skaneateles High School. She taught a generation of Skaneateles students, especially proud of her Model UN program, before retiring. Susan continued with her volunteer work with the St. James Church Altar Guild, Skaneateles Historical Society and Laker Limo driver. Sue was also a passionate historian for the Creamery, dedicating much of her time to creating rich historical records of the deep boating tradition on and around Skaneateles Lake. She cultivated beautiful flower gardens and enjoyed her bridge, golf leagues and book clubs, always keeping busy.
Joe and Sue traveled extensively in their later years, taking trips to the UK, Ireland, France, Alaska, Brazil, and other interesting cruises. They also journeyed on their own excursions on the boat Joe built (the Samuel Clyde) and took lengthy road trips around the country visiting friends and family.
Susan was predeceased by her husband Joseph (Sept 2, 2021). She is survived by her sons Curtis (m. Patrice Milos), Joseph (m. Irene Gonin) and William (m. Molly Newlin) and Grandchildren Henry, Hannah, Alexander, Nicholas, Victoria, Lisa and Evan.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 9th from 5-7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral Service will be held at St James Church, Skaneateles on Friday, September 10th at 10am, burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. James Church or the Skaneateles Historical Society.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
