Susan Joy Swensen

     Susan Joy Swensen, a lifetime area resident, succumbed to cancer at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the age of 56.  Daughter of the late Theodore and Donna Hadden, she was born in Middletown, NY on March 27, 1961.

     Susan spent her entire career as a banker, mostly with The Bank of New York in Orange and Rockland Counties and later with Hudson Valley Bank.  She was a Past-President of the Nyack Rotary and also served as Secretary of the Hudson Valley Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society.  She was a dedicated volunteer for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.  Even though she succumbed to breast cancer she was an advocate for all types of cancer which is why she was the guiding force behind the start of the Pine Bush Relay for Life where over $2,000,000 has been raised to help in the fight against cancer.  She participated in a clinical trial not only for herself but so that others could be saved.

     She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Michael Swensen, and was the guardian to their great-niece, Brooke Hadden.  She leaves behind her sister Cheryl Hadden and her husband Thomas Smith of Bloomingburg, NY, brother Dick Hadden and his wife Theresa of Thompson Ridge, NY, brother Robert Hadden of Bloomingburg, NY, her aunt Suzanne Bruning of New Paltz, NY and uncle Bill Bruning and his wife Lin of Claryville, NY.  Her in-laws; Anita Swensen, Mark and Janet Swensen, Carol and Jay Anthony, Craig and Maryann Swensen and Julie and Todd Gianguzzi.  She will be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews who she treated like they were her own children.

     The family would like to thank Amanda and Adria from Hospice, Dr. Jeffrey Stewart and his staff, especially Kris O’Leary, who have lead her through her many years of treatment, Dr. Thomas Eanelli and all of the nurses at the ORMC infusion center.  These people were not only her medical team but she considered each one of them to be treasured friends.

    A Memorial Visitation will be held from 5-9 PM Monday, October 2, 2017 at the Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY.

    Due to family allergies please refrain from sending flowers.  The family requests that memorial contributions be sent, in Sue’s name, to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh NY 12550.

    Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY. 

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