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BORN
1949
DIED
2019
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Susan Lowe Obituary
Freeville - Susan Lowe, 70, a dedicated and lifelong equestrian, passed away peacefully in her home in Freeville, NY on November 16, 2019 after a brave battle with cancer.
Susan was born on May 9, 1949 in Monterey, CA. She fell in love with horses the first time her father sat her on a pony at age four and she worked with horses her entire life. Susan, in partnership with Bill Lowe, created If Only Farm in Freeville, NY, an equestrian center that they built from the ground up, starting in 1979. Her students showed with great success in local, regional and national competitions and she made If Only Farm the home of the Ithaca College Equestrian Team and the Cornell Dressage Club. Sue loved to teach children and adults alike to ride and wanted nothing less than excellence from everyone she taught.
Susan leaves a legacy that will carry on and resonates within If Only Farm as a place where everyone is welcome, anyone can learn to ride and be brave and safe, and as a place where everyone can love horses. For a more detailed remembrance, please visit ifonlyfarm.com/susanlowe.
In honor of Susan, someone who always loved a great party, a big celebration will be held at the farm in the summer of 2020.
Susan (Morrow Phillips Spada) Lowe is survived by William S. Lowe; her son Ronald Spada Jr (Jen); her grandchildren, Olivia Spada and Garrett Spada; her sisters, Annette Taylor (Mike), Laura Lecher (Brent); her brother Cushing Phillips III; her nieces, Blake Taylor, Jamie Taylor, Lauren Taylor; her special friend Warren VanPelt.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to The Douglas J. Pokorney Farrier Student Scholarship Fund at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Lowe
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
6 Entries
Pamela Mott
November 13, 2021
Missing you, my son and my dad too much. I've resorted to stopping on the side of the road and visiting horses I see. After the last several years I've had, its still too hard to go to the farm. Wish every one there that is carrying on your dream all the best. Love ya girl.
Wendy Penfold
December 17, 2019
When I decided to get back into jumping after my kids left for college, I started taking lessons with Sue. I was impressed with her ability to understand a horse and a rider and to know what to do to build their confidence and ability. My horses and I learned a lot from her, and she was always very kind. I think the trait I most enjoyed about Sue, was that anything she thought, came directly out of her mouth :) ...no guessing needed.
Wendy Penfold
December 4, 2019
As teens Sue and I often competed in the same horse shows and when I went to If Only Farm years later in search of part time work, I was thrilled to see Susan and to work for her and Bill. I worked there for quite a few years and then continued on, riding in the adult lessons and mc-ing the farm shows. I'm going to miss her very much, it will be difficult to go to the farm. All my love to her family and the If Only family.
December 3, 2019
Sue was a major influence in my life both professionally and personally. She will be greatly missed.
Michelle DeBell
Denise Scott-Pokorney
November 30, 2019
Dear Bill and Family,
Condolences and sympathy at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Sue will be deeply missed. My most vivid memory of her is she and Doug dancing at our wedding, her smile and her laugh.
Thinking of you and sending much love,
Sincerely,
Denise Scott-Pokorney
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