Susan M. Bouchey

1955 - 2024

Bouchey, Susan M.
TROY - Susan Marie Brunette Bouchey, age 68, of Historic Downtown Troy, NY, Saratoga Springs, NY and Jupiter, FL, passed away on May 16, 2024. Susan was a breast cancer survivor who valiantly fought and won that battle, only to face a long and challenging struggle with depression and an allergy to alcohol, a battle she ultimately could not win. She was born on October 25, 1955, in Tupper Lake, NY, and raised in Wynantskill. Susan is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Steven Bouchey.
Susan was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Teresa Brunette; her infant sons, Sean and Eric Bouchey; and her grandparents, Anne and Roderick McCauley, and Viola and Arthur Brunette.
Susan attended Gardner-Dickinson School in Wynantskill, graduating as part of the inaugural class in 1969. She continued her education at Troy High School, graduating in the Class of 1973, where she was proud to be the Homecoming Queen Runner-Up. Susan further pursued her passion by earning a degree from Hudson Valley Community College's Dental Hygiene Program.
Throughout her esteemed career, Susan worked with legends in their field, including Dr. William Smith of Albany and Dr. James Comis of Troy. However, her true professional love was working decades with Dr. Marvin Kessler an Orthodontist. She took immense pride in the many beautiful smiles she helped create, and former patients often approached her to express their gratitude. Sue's sharp eye and quick wit would have her instantly inspecting their smiles to see how they held up over the years and she would say "see I told you you'd have the best smile ever if you wore your night guard".
In addition to her dental work, Susan enjoyed her time at the beloved Casey's East Restaurant in Troy Plaza, where she served customers who became lifelong friends. The late-night Friendly's crew, who lingered till last call, brought joy to Susan, and though they playfully referred to themselves as the "CCHS" girls, she loved them dearly and made sure they always received excellent service as though they graduated from Troy High.
Susan and Steven met at Casey's, sharing the serendipitous fact that they had the same birthday. It took Steve six years to convince Susan to go on a date, a fact he would always remind her of with affectionate teasing, dubbing her a "cougar" long before it became fashionable. Their bond, which blossomed into a nearly 50-year friendship and a loving marriage, stands as a testament to their enduring connection. Susan ultimately ended her professional career working as Steve's bookkeeper, a role in which she took great pride. Although there were multiple attempts to retire, both Susan and Steve weren't ever quite sure if and when she truly did retire or did she quit? Either way she had more time to lower her handicap on the golf course.
Outside of her professional life, Susan's passions included golf, tennis, and pickleball, playing at the Country Club of Troy, Tequesta Country Club, Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, and The Lake George Club. Susan took great pride in her long-standing role as Co-Chair, alongside Erin Mack, of the renowned "Country Club of Troy Women's Invitational".
Most people called Susan "Sue" and Steven called her "Babe" but her favorite names were "Mom" and "Grammy". Susan is survived by her son, Ryan (Nicole) Bouchey and daughter Lauren Bouchey (Patrick Cramer). Susan's pride and joy were her grandchildren; George, Harry and Josephine Joyce Bouchey. She is further survived by her sister, Donna (pre-deceased by Paulette "Cookie" Goly) of Bluffton SC; her brother, Michael (Eileen) Brunette of Yamhill OR; her sister, Jeanne (William) McCarthy of Troy NY; her brother, Paul (Dawn) Brunette of Spartanburg SC; her former sister-in-law, Mary Lou Brunette Forant and many nieces, nephews and Benny, a puppy who loves Sue unconditionally. Sue was also lucky to have many dear friends including Erin (John) Mack, Donna (Jeffrey) Adams, Kathy Tallman, Carol Ferullo, Helen Malm, Annie VerBurg and Steven Ginsburg.
Susan touched many lives with her warmth, humor, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Steven was by Susan's side until the end, always striving to help her find a healthy place. He supported her through every small setback, reminding her that nobody is perfect and "practice makes perfect." A favorite quote frequently exchanged between Susan and Steve was, "Don't trip over what's behind you," helping Susan to never feel bad about a misstep here and there. Susan's priority in life was taking care of her family, a destiny she embraced wholeheartedly. She often said, "That's why God put me here, to take care of my family." A little-known secret is that Susan and Steven had been living on the Upper East Side of New York City in order for Susan to help care for Steven in every way possible to get him through some unexpected medical challenges. How ironic and poetic it is that both Susan and Steven would be taking care of each other right up to the end.
A funeral Mass for Susan will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY. A private interment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy. Friends are invited to attend the Mass and may also visit with Susan's family on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 4 until 7 pm at the Parker Brothers Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet. NY.
In lieu of customary remembrances donations, in memory of Susan, may be made to Living Resources, in honor of Brian and Danny Bouchey, ARC of Rensselaer County or to the American Cancer Society, online at www.bit.ly/SusanBouchey or by check made out to The American Cancer Society, One Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110. Please include Susan Bouchey in the memo of your check.
Please visit www.parkerbrosmemorial.com to leave a message of sympathy and for driving directions.