Obituary of Susan Elizabeth deGaspard

SARATOGA SPRINGS –

Susan Elizabeth deGaspard, 70, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away while holding hands with her devoted and loving husband, George, in the comfort of their home, on the morning of Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Susan and George never thought that they would ever face the kinds of life challenges that were brought about by Susan’s diagnosis in 2020.

Instead of being angry and bitter, they embraced each other with their love and devotion for one another and relied on their faith and trust in their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave them His guidance, strength, courage, peace, hope and love.

As George and Susan trusted in God with all their hearts, they leaned not on their own understandings, but turned to God in everything they did, and He guided them throughout an extremely challenging four years.

Susan and George believe the Lord, with His grace and love, gave them four years to grow and come closer to one another, to gain a deeper understanding and realization of the preciousness of their love and life together, and to grow closer to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

As a testament to this, Susan and George never felt as intimate, loving and joyful in their marriage and relationship.

Throughout these years, both Susan and George encouraged and inspired other people to recognize and believe that no matter what life challenges they may face or will face, they can find love, hope, courage, strength and peace in Jesus Christ.

George and Susan believe that God has His plans for each of us and that many times, we do not know or understand what His plans may be, but we can trust that God knows what is best for every one of us.

George and Susan also acknowledge that God is love, He brings light to the world through each believer, and whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in them.

Susan was the daughter of Lloyd Joseph Purdy and Joan (Davidson) Purdy. She was born on July 23, 1953, in Albany, New York. For the majority of her childhood and teenage years, Susan was raised with her two siblings in East Greenbush, New York.

Susan was an Advanced Program student and graduated from Columbia High School in 1971. Thereafter, Susan graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 1975, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in French and Elementary Education, and where she was honored with a membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Thereafter, Susan furthered her studies and graduated from the College of St. Rose in 1982, where she earned her Master of Science in Early Childhood Development.

Susan taught and inspired students as an elementary school teacher for 35 years in the Lansingburgh School District. Susan will be warmly remembered by both colleagues and students as an exceptional educator who truly loved her students. She treated each one as special, encouraged them to enjoy learning, and made herself available to help their parents to help them.

Susan also worked part-time for the Pearson VUE testing centers as a scorer, and the Sylvan Learning Center as a teacher and assistant director of education.

Susan had a variety of interests which included reading both fiction and non-fiction books, given her desire for continued learning, especially about English and American Revolution History; boating; sailing; gardening which included her creation with George of a beautiful backyard, landscaped sanctuary; playing Scrabble; watching Jeopardy; taking long walks while holding hands with her husband George in every season of the year; and enjoying many trips to Lake George, the Adirondacks, Maine, and Vermont.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband George deGaspard, whom she married on June 6, 1976, in East Greenbush, New York, her sister Melinda (Mindy) Van Schaick, and her husband, Brian Van Schaick, and her brother Stephen Purdy and his wife, Mona Purdy.

Susan is also survived by two, very special, longtime friends and career-long colleagues, Peggy Ryan and Diane Cipperly. In addition, she is survived by two very close friends of both her and her husband George, Monica Smith and Ronald Nathan.

Susan's husband George wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude the following caregivers who lovingly and compassionately treated, supported, and encouraged Susan: Edward M. Liebers, MD, Chief, Division of Oncology; Murtaza F. Singaporewala, PA and Jean Van Auken, PA, of Saratoga Oncology and Hematology, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group; and Frederick D. Reynolds, MD, FACS, Chief, Division of General Surgery, of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group. In addition, Susan's husband wants to thank the staff of both Saratoga Hospital and The Community Hospice, who also provided empathetic, compassionate, and loving care to Susan.

May the Lord bless all of you and give you his peace, hope, love, and comfort, as you provide the same loving and compassionate treatment and care to your current and future patients.

God filled Susan with love, light, life, wisdom, grace, kindness, gentleness, empathy and compassion. Wherever she went and whomever she was with, God moved her to share these wonderful gifts and inspire others to do the same. She will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her.

Relatives, Friends, Educators and Students may pay their respects and visit with Susan’s family on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 4PM until 6PM in the Chapel of Simple Choices, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) Troy, NY 12180. A Memorial Service will conclude the visitation, beginning at 6PM in the funeral home that same evening. All are Welcomed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the deGaspard Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com

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Susan Elizabeth deGaspard

1953 - 2024

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