Donna "Stickney" Sutton

1950 - 2025

Donna (Stickney) Sutton, of Queensbury, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025.

Born on April 15, 1950 in Glens Falls, NY as the only child of adoring parents Sherle (Parrish) Stickney and William Stickney. Donna grew up and attended high school in South Glens Falls where she established special friendships that lasted her lifetime.

Donna studied education at SUNY Plattsburgh and then earned her Master's degree in special education from Saint Rose. It was at Plattsburgh where Donna picked up fellow student, Steven Sutton, while he was hitchhiking, and the two were married in 1971.

Donna and Steve then lived in Mooers, NY, where Donna worked as a 3rd/4th grade teacher - a role she only filled for a short time but talked fondly of throughout her life. It was in 1975 that Donna and Steve relocated to Queensbury, NY as they joined Steve's family who founded and created Sutton's Market Place.

Several years later, Donna used her creative vision to establish a gift department that evolved over the years to become a retail destination. Donna had an unmatched eye for creating a collection of gifts that were beautiful, useful, and unique, making Sutton's a beloved pillar of the community - more of a shopping experience than just a store. Donna could walk into any room and know what to do to make it beautiful and comfortable, a skill that would be felt throughout all of Sutton's, including in the later additions of their furniture store, toy store, and clothing boutique. Donna loved going on buying trips to the gift expo in Atlanta, with her sister-in-law Sherry, where they planned and shared their vision for all that Sutton's would and could become.

Donna and Steve were loving partners, their skills and strengths complimenting each other both in business and in marriage. Their love for their business and many employees, who they thought of as family, was only surpassed by their love for their three children and three grandchildren. They were married until Steve's death in 2005. Donna's role and love as a mother was her greatest skill and joy.

Donna was an active member of her community and enjoyed volunteering her time with the Lake George Arts Project, local nursing homes, and as a literacy volunteer, along with hosting benefit events at the store. Donna cared deeply for the people in her life, was incredibly thoughtful, and surprised those she loved with meaningful experiences countless times. She was an adventurer and loved to plan trips with her friends and family that created unforgettable experiences. One thing that anyone could tell you about Donna was that she loved to tell a good story and was never afraid to laugh at herself.

Donna was predeceased by her husband Steve, her parents, her two beloved aunts Murial Sollosy and Eileen Jones, and step-grandson Jonah R. Whiting.

Donna leaves her children and grandchildren, son Gabriel R., daughter-in-law Olivia (Porter) and grandson Owen W., daughter Jane E. and granddaughter Mylah E., and daughter Sally L., son-in-law Michael Whiting and grandson Quinn C; cousin who she thought of as a sister, Lyn Chenier and husband Pete Peters; sister-in-laws Sue Torelli and Sherry Dominick and husband Dennis Dominick; several nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Funeral services and burial will be held privately for the family.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 4 from 1pm - 4pm at Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home located at 407 Bay Road in Queensbury. Those who wish online condolences may be made at sbfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna's name to Double H Ranch at 97 Hidden Valley Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 or The Fresh Air Fund at 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Converse Home of Burlington, VT for their loving and dignified care of Donna through the last years of her life.