Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
UPCOMING SERVICE
Susan Rupp Obituary
Jun 27, 1948 - Jan 16, 2026
Age 77, of Pittsford passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16th surrounded by her family and grandchildren. Born in 1948 in Rochester NY, to Frances O'Neil Rupp and Richard William Rupp, Susan attended Elmwood Franklin School, and Buffalo Seminary before entering Wells college in 1966, and graduating in 1970 with a major in Biology and a minor in Ornithology. Upon graduation and marriage in 1970, she began her professional life of service as a social worker for Child Protective services in Syracuse, and then in Rochester. She put her professional career on hold to become a devoted mother to Jennifer LaForte Hoos, and Cynthia LaForte, her pride and joy. She always said their birth changed her life for the better, and they felt that in her love. She became a clothing representative for Carlisle Collection where her attention to detail and style helped people look and feel their best. She then went on to study Bach Flower Remedies and the Enneagram, both of which she shared with students locally and at the Chautauqua Institution. She was an active member of Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester and a beloved member of the Inayatiyya order of universal Sufism. She held leadership positions in guidance and the healing ministry as part of her warm heart and generous spirit. Susan was always seeking ways to support those in need and always served with humility and grace. Missions included fundraising, Dining Room Ministry, Hurricane Katrina relief in New Orleans and aiding in the resettlement of a local Afghan family. Susan loved gardening, cooking, theater, art, golf, wellness, and creating healing spaces. She is preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by daughters Jennifer and Cynthia, Son in Law K.C. Hoos, and grandchildren Elle and Olivia Hoos, sister Christina Rupp, of Saugerties, and Brother William Rupp of Buffalo all who will forever carry the love she brought to their lives. She leaves as well her partner of 10 years Jim Leff and former husband and father of her children William LaForte of Rochester. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, March 7th at 1 pm at Third Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Keeping Our Promise, Inc. (keepingourpromise.org).
Memorial Events
for Susan Rupp
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Rupp
7 Entries
]Rita Freling
February 18, 2026
Susan was a neighbor. She was smart, kind, and always smiling.
We always spoke about our garden, flowers, and her work.
Our Deepest Condolences to her partner, daughters, and the whole family.
Rita Freling and Rich Ciaraldi
Kathy (Moeschler) Bujalski
February 16, 2026
So sad too hear of Susan's passing. We were good friends from 7th grade through high school, and I have happy memories of her caring, fun, twinkly personality. Our lives drifted apart - the last time we met was at our
Sem 50th reunion when we laughed about good times in the 60's.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Elizabeth Henderson
January 26, 2026
Memories of Susan
From Elizabeth Henderson
I first met Susan when I gave a presentation about the Peacework Organic CSA at the Pittsford Pubic Library in early 2005 or 6. Every year, I made a few public appearances with my slide show about the farm and the CSA to attract new members. Usually, the audience was a dozen to 20 people. This time, there was only one, but I told my story anyway. When I finished, Susan introduced herself and told me that she was going to join the CSA. She remained a loyal member ever after.
In the CSA newsletter, Susan read about my organic policy work with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) and representing NOFA on the board of the Agricultural Justice Project (AJP). She revealed to me that she and her siblings distributed funding for causes they champion through a family foundation. So Susan and I made a date to have lunch and talk. This turned into a semi-annual ritual that we both enjoyed. We would meet at the Abundance Food Coop - and talk for hours about healthy food, organic farming and NOFA´s efforts to uphold the integrity of the organic label, to raise funds to help pay for CSA shares for low-income people, and, through AJP, to champion fair prices for organic farms so that farmers could pay living wages and provide jobs with respectful treatment and decent benefits for farm workers, in other words, to uphold the Organic Principle of Fairness. With her background in social work and business, Susan gave me a lot of helpful advice for these endeavors. No one else ever asked me so many penetrating questions and listened with such interest to my detailed answers. With Susan´s advocacy, starting in 2013, the Rupp Family Foundation gave many thousands of dollars to support this work.
At our little luncheons, we also shared more personal stories. About ten years ago, Susan mentioned that she really liked my old friend Jim Leff, but did not think he reciprocated. A few weeks later, at a chiropractic session with Jim, I asked offhandedly if he had any feelings for Susan. He replied that he did, but was shy to express them since she seemed out of his class. I revealed to him what Susan had said to me. My partner Jack teases me about being a matchmaker. It can be just nosey interfering - but this time, it worked and it has been my pleasure as a friend to bask in the warmth of their love for one another!
Barbara Randall
January 23, 2026
I will miss our lunches together. She loved her daughters and grandchildren so much. Rest in peace dear Susan.
How you can show support
Linda Odenbach
January 22, 2026
To Jen and Cynthia, please accept our condolences on your mother´s passing. Susan, quietly touched so many peoples lives in all the different volunteer and leadership roles that she was involved with over the years and will be truly missed. She was so proud of you both and I am sure you both can say how proud you were that she was your guide in your lives..what a wonderful woman to call my friend and I am saddened by her passing, Sincerely Linda and Gerry Odenbach
Rita Freling & Rich Ciaraldi
January 22, 2026
We send our Deepest Condolences to the family of Susan Rupp. She was so lovely and a beautiful, smart, and kind neighbor. Rest in Peace Sweet Susan.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Susan Rupp's name
People and places connected with Susan
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo News
How to support Susan's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Susan Rupp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
