M. Zebro fundraiser and advocate for Roswell Park and Susan

July 8, 1950 - July 8, 2018

A talented painter, gardener and decorator, a devoted mother and friend to many, Susan M. Zebro is best known as a tireless worker and fundraiser for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospice Buffalo.

But her truest legacy may lie in the moments, over the coming years, when an ill patient, anxious visitor or busy staff member draws a moment's comfort or distraction from the art that hangs on the walls at Roswell Park.

"Our art collection is museum-quality. It's all incredible original art, and she was really the driving force behind that. She was really passionate," said Cindy Eller, executive director of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation and vice president for development at Roswell. "She built a big art committee from various artists throughout the community, and she really left a legacy of art here for others."

The East Amherst resident died after an illness of several years on July 8, her 68th birthday, in the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Cheektowaga.

"She loved her birthday," said her husband of 45 years, David M. Zebro. In the Hospice facility, he said, "we had birthday cake the night before."

Mrs. Zebro was born in Kenmore, the daughter of Mary P. and the late Arne C. Mortensen. She was the oldest sister of Karen M. Burdette and Nancy L. Mortensen.  After graduating from Kenmore West High School, she earned a bachelor's degree in speech pathology in 1972 from Plattsburgh State University.

She and David met at Plattsburgh during a 1969 fraternity-sorority car rally, when her roommate arranged for Susan to ride in David's car. The rally required racers to cross the finish line exactly on time; although they got lost along the way, they won, David Zebro said.

Mrs. Zebro later told her husband that after their second date, she knew she would marry him. They married on April 28, 1973, in the Church of Christ in Kenmore.

She earned her master's degree in speech pathology from Buffalo State College in the mid-1970s and worked for seven years as a speech pathologist in the West Seneca School District. The Zebros had three children, Ryan M., Erin M. Geiger and Lauren A., and eventually three grandsons.

Mrs. Zebro painted in oils, favoring plein air work, said her husband. She created many images of flowers, and she also enjoyed gardening and decorating, at which she excelled, he said.

Mrs. Zebro had a large circle of friends. Until she became ill, she still got together with a group of high school classmates, and enjoyed going out to dinner and hosting dinner parties.

"She was always doing something," her husband said. "She was also the best mom and wife ever."

Her life's work was service to others.

"She was a giver," her husband said.

Mrs. Zebro was an early member of the Roswell Park Alliance Community Fundraising Board, joining in 1996. That was the year before her mother-in-law died of cancer, said Mr. Zebro, who has also lost his father and sister, an aunt, two uncles, a business partner and "too many friends" to the disease. Roswell, he said, "will always be part of my family's life. It's also the reason we've taken leadership roles with Hospice."

"She also got me involved," said Mr. Zebro, who has served as chairman of the board of the Foundation and past chairman of the Governance Board. He is now semi-retired as principal of Strategic Investments & Holdings.

Mrs. Zebro led several of the Alliance's signature events, including the All Star Night gala, the Herd About Buffalo campaign and the Paint Box Project, which created popular greeting cards from the artwork of Roswell Park's pediatric patients.

As chair and longtime member of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Art Committee, she spearheaded the work to acquire significant and meaningful art. In leading the committee, she emphasized that the work should be fun, said Mr. Zebro. "She wanted people to enjoy it."

"She was very fun," said Eller, "with an easy laugh, always energetic and optimistic. She was the party person who always was bringing everyone together and celebrating life. She was very optimistic, a 'glass half full' person for sure."

Mr and Mrs. Zebro successfully co-chaired Roswell Park's first capital campaign, Horizon of Hope, to build a new pharmacology and genetics building for Roswell researchers.

In 2002, Mrs. Zebro received the Alliance's highest recognition, The Katherine Anne Gioia Inspiration Award, for her many years of volunteer leadership.

She was also a longtime supporter and past board member of The Hospice Foundation of Buffalo. The Zebros chaired the annual Hospice Harvest festival in 2002.

Mrs. Zebro was also a board member of Buffalo Prep and belonged to the Canisius College Board of Regents.

"Education is very big with us," said David Zebro.

She was also a volunteer with the TWIGS of Children's Hospital and the Williamsville PTA for many years.

In 2003, the Zebros received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award from the WNY chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at the National Philanthropy celebration.

The pair also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Plattsburgh State University in 2003 for their continuing sponsorship of scholarships and support for the Educational Opportunity Program at the college.

In 2012, the couple received a Citation Award from The National Federation for Just Communities, honoring people who have worked to improve the community.

The family's dedication to the work of Roswell and Hospice, said Eller, demonstrates their commitment to "what's important in life, spirituality and supporting one another and compassion." Mrs. Zebro, she said, "cared about people and how people were treated, and inclusion. She was a wonderful leader."

"She led a beautiful life, a life well-lived that had such impact in this community for so many others."

Besides her husband, mother, children, grandchildren and sisters, Mrs. Zebro is survived by two nieces. Visitation was held July 10, followed by a celebration of her life on July 11, the highlight of which, Mr. Zebro said, was the playing of her favorite song, "Mustang Sally."