Sue C. (Buchanan) Shaffer, 71, of Dryden, NY passed away unexpectedly in her home on Friday, January 18, 2019. Sue was born in Cortland, NY on June 21, 1947. She graduated from Homer Central High School, Class of 1965. She also attended Rittners School of Floral Design in Boston, Massachusetts.
Sue is survived by her husband, Randall L. Shaffer of 38 years. She is also survived by her children, Shannon A. Lateer, Desiree L. (Chris) Smith, and Heidi S. Shaffer; her siblings, Robert (Lorraine) Buchanan and Dorothy Steger; her grandchildren, Isaiah & Melody Lateer, her furry grand pups and cat, Bella.
Sue was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Louise Buchanan, and her sisters, Jane (Bill) Randolph and Bette (Ken) Roundy.
Sue worked at Cortland Memorial Hospital in the OR and recovery for 14 years and has been working for Dryden Central School District for the past 31 years.
Sue was very well-known in the Dryden community. Her bright smile, her silly holiday hats/outfits, her kindness, her sense of style, her sense of humor….impacted so many people in so many ways that brought a sense of security to most. She was often known as “Mama Shaff” to her kid’s friends. She was a second mom to many and she was always there for anyone who needed her. She defiantly put others before herself.
Her husband, children, grandchildren and cats were always her #1 priority! She loved spending as much time with them as she could, along with her siblings and other family members. Hobbies included traveling (especially to Myrtle Beach), her flower gardens, being a part of her High School reunions, country rock music, collecting pottery and her love her animals, especially horses and cats. And we can’t forget her love for watching the Lifetime or Hallmark channel or her favorite TV shows!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 at the Dryden Methodist Church at 3pm. Please come and share a memory of Sue!!! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cortland SPCA, 879 McLean Rd., Cortland, NY 13045 or to the Dryden Ambulance, 26 North St., PO Box 397, Dryden, NY 13053.
Cheryl Ford
February 5, 2019
Randy, So So Sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Hugs and prayers to you and the family
Cheryl Dean
January 25, 2019
Randy, Shannon, Heidi and Desiree, We are very shocked and saddened to learn of Sue's passing. She was an amazing woman, who was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She always had a smile and friendship to share with everyone. We loved her great sense of humor, her compassion for the children at school and her wonderful help for anyone in need. We enjoyed our many chats while working together at school and the times spent at school events with our kids. Thoughts and prayers are with you all - Sue will be forever in our hearts.
Julie Sweet
January 25, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Linda Belden
January 25, 2019
My condolences to the family. I have known Sue for a very long time. She was such a vibrant person and very talented in so many ways. Sue was instrumental in getting our class reunions together. She was so fun loving and so kind to everyone. She will be missed by all. RIP, old friend.
Gary & Rena VanSlyke
January 24, 2019
We are truly sorry and shocked to learn of Sue's passing. We will remember her fondly in our hearts.
Chris Norton
January 24, 2019
I am so sorry for your family's loss...
Sending condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
Strickland
January 24, 2019
I knew Mrs Shaffer from my children. She always had a great smile that was so welcoming. My children are very upset over the loss of such an amazing women. She was a friend to all. And really took time out for students that needed her. Trust me..my son was 1 of them. He has had brain tumor surgeries and lost just under half of his brain. He has some learning disabilities and was bullied often. He always found comfort with Mrs Shaffer. I've spoken to her multiple times and she was one of a kind. And I can tell you that Dryden Schools will not be the same with out her. Mrs Shaffer you will forever be loved and missed by hundreds.
January 23, 2019
Randy and family, so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you. Sue was one of the kindest and most gentle persons we have ever known. Bob and Doris Hyde

Barbara & David Chubb
January 22, 2019
Words that come to mind when I think of Sue - a wonderful, kind and generous spirit. We remained friends for 60+ years. So glad that we got together a couple of times this past summer! I have so many wonderful memories of our times together. RIP dear friend! Thinking about your family during this difficult time!
Greg Nitti
January 22, 2019
Mrs. Shaffer was a special gift to the students and staff at Dryden Elementary School! I will remember Mrs. Shaffer for her compassion to my students, a friendly smile and a warm greeting every day. Mrs. Shaffer's family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorlesca Salanger
January 22, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lynn Boruchowitz
January 22, 2019
Soo sorry Randy, Shannon, Heidi, & Desiree
Sheryl Shufelt
January 22, 2019
I am deeply saddened and so very sorry for your loss. Aunt Sue (which I never stopped calling her) was a wonderful lady. So happy she remained in our lives! Hugs to all of you.
Tom and Lauren McCabe
January 22, 2019
Tom and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We pray that you are surrounded by those you love to bring you comfort and ease such a tremendous loss.
Kathi Fellows-Sovocool
January 22, 2019
Randy and family, So very sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Her memory will live on in each of you. God Bless.
Cindee Rotunda
January 22, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to you all!! Always had a smile, she will be missed. She always was thinking of others!!! God Bless
Patti (Shaw) Anderson
January 22, 2019
Randy, Shannon, Heidi and Desiree,
Sue was such a wonderful person. She always had a big smile and hug for anyone she knew. We had alot of fun together back in the day. She will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Charlie & Sharon Miller
January 22, 2019
Randy, Shannon, Heidi , Desiree & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sue was a kind and loving lady !! She certainly leaves you with a lot of wonderful memories. Our deepest condolences at this difficult time. Sending prayers and hugs to all !
January 22, 2019
Grief can be so very hard, but our special memories can help us to cope. Remember them today and always. 1 Corinthians 15:26.
Tammy Webster
January 22, 2019
Thinking of you all! God Gained another angel ..so sorry for your loss.. Sue was an amazing woman
Jean Love-Augst
January 21, 2019
Sorry for the loss to the Family. RIP Sue
Rose Teeter
January 21, 2019
Dear Shannon and family, We are so sorry about the sudden passing of you Mother. What a beautiful woman and kind soul. Paul and Rose Teeter
Carol Webster
January 21, 2019
I graduated with Sue Carol and am also a second cousin. I am so sorry for your lose, I just lost my husband in Nov.
January 21, 2019
Sue, you will be so missed by the "class of 65". We could not have had a class reunion from our "5th" to our "50th" without your hard work and dedication. We had such a fun night last July when we might Dorky, Dave and Barb to listen to classmate, Steve Odum and his band. Our prayers go out to Randy and your family. Forever in our hearts, Cathy ( Bush ) and Gary Lawrence
Sheila Abbey
January 21, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to Sues family. She will truly be missed. She was a special lady.
Joanne & Randy Sterling
January 21, 2019
Losing a very special someone is never easy. Praying that you feel Gods love wrapped around you in the days, months and year ahead.
Randy & Joanne Sterling
Becki & Lon Hildreth
January 21, 2019
Our hearts are breaking to you and your families.
January 21, 2019
Dear Randy and family. Im so sorry to hear of Sues passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this heartbreaking time. Charlene (Wright) and family.
Nancy Dorn
January 21, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Sue will be missed by all who knew her.
Stephanie Brodsky
January 21, 2019
So sorry. Was a bus aide on my disabled boys bus for many years. A great lady. She will be missed.
Wendy Yager
January 21, 2019
My deepest sympathies are with your entire family. Sue never, and I do mean never, saw me that she didn't ask after my mother. She had the most giving heart and I know she will be deeply missed. I'm sure she will watching out for all of you from above.
Patricia VanOstrand
January 21, 2019
She will be missed on the bus everyday.
Connie Mosch
January 21, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.
Harlan Pudney
January 21, 2019
she will be missed, my condolences to her family
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