Susan was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend, who impacted the lives of everyone she knew. She was a woman of unshakeable faith and strong convictions, which always brought her peace during troubled times. She was a member of Marietta United Christian Church, and her faith always guided her. She loved her family above all else on this Earth. She was deeply proud of her children and their accomplishments, and always found the time to listen to, encourage and help them in any endeavor or challenge.
A true Renaissance woman, Susan had many passionate interests, including art and illustration, music, science, history, politics, gardening, and almost anything outdoors. She was an avid student her entire life and a fierce seeker of truth and knowledge, always striving to sate her endless curiosity about any topic which piqued her interest. She also loved teaching as much as she did learn, and never missed an opportunity to give a lesson on any topic to anyone within earshot. While working as an academic advisor at Columbia College, she often tutored students for free after hours and took great joy in watching them succeed. This was just a continuation of a lifetime spent teaching and helping anyone with a need or interest. She was an easy conversationalist which led to the development of many lifelong friendships throughout her years.
One of Susan’s greatest lifetime passions was art, and she was an incredibly talented artist across several mediums. She was the cover illustrator for The Adirondack Kids book series, which includes 20 books published over the past 20 years. She also worked as a freelance illustrator throughout her life. Her beautiful artwork will forever memorialize her for her loved ones on their walls and bookshelves. She was an accomplished violinist, and a skilled pianist. She played piano beautifully at any opportunity, which will remain a blessed and comforting memory for all who heard her play. She had a wonderful imagination and utilized her artistic talents to create unique and beautiful gifts for her children and grandchildren.
Susan was highly knowledgeable about birds, and her outdoor activities often turned to birding efforts and tutorials. She loved hiking and took advantage of any opportunity to be outside. She also enjoyed kayaking, cycling and swimming. She was an avid gardener her entire life, and she always found joy and tranquility in caring for her gardens.
Susan graduated from Cicero High School in 1972. She was salutatorian of her class and a National Merit Scholar. She attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology in 1976. Over the years, she also earned an Associate’s Degree in Art Illustration and a Master’s of Education.
She is survived by her loving husband Glenn Dick, her parents John and Cecelia Loeffler, her children Samuel Dickson, Katherine Dickson, Paul (Alexa) Dickson, Thomas Dickson, and Mary Dickson, her stepsons Richard Berman, Kenneth Dick, Ryan Dick, and Justin Dick, her siblings Karen (Mark) Foegen, William (Beverly) Loeffler, Martha Loeffler, and John (Karen) Loeffler, her grandchildren Jacob, Job, and Eloise, and many beloved nieces, nephews and close friends. Her unconditional love will be cherished forever, and she will be missed beyond words.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 28, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 29 at 11 am, at Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2609 Rose Hill Road, Marietta, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to AscentCare Pregnancy Services and Resource Center at 20 Academy Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.