Susette Helena Ellerin

 MIDDLETOWN -    Susette Helena Ellerin (nee Bascher), a long-time resident of Middletown, New York, died Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at home. She was 94.

The daughter of Benjamin and Martha Bascher, she was born September 25, 1929, in Manhattan, spending her early years in parts of Brooklyn and Forest Hills, Queens.

"Sue," as she was known, graduated from Middletown High School, attended Queens College, and in later years, Orange County Community College. In her early years, she worked as a model of furs and evening gowns in wholesale houses on 7th Avenue in NYC. She was a devoted and wonderful mother, wife, and grandmother, who found her true passion and calling in later years. Sue worked in several Middletown Schools as a substitute teacher and special education teaching assistant for 37 years. She loved the school community and adored her students.

She was a lifelong member of Temple Sinai, Middletown, serving on its Board of Directors for many years, a member of the Sisterhood of Temple Sinai and Hadassah, and a member of the Orange County Golf Club (West Hills) for over 50 years. She served as the first PTA president in Middletown Schools, running numerous fundraisers, including the first Book Fair. Sue organized and ran numerous fashion show fundraisers for local organizations, in addition to fundraising events at Temple Sinai. Sue was a good and giving friend to many in her community.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Michele Pamela Ellerin-Diefenbach and son-in-law E. Michael Diefenbach of Middletown, her much adored granddaughter Marissa Ellerin Reap and husband Evan Reap of Astoria, Queens. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Arnold Ellerin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Temple Sinai, 75 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY. Rabbi Emily Cobert will officiate. Interment will be at the Temple Sinai Cemetery in Circleville, NY immediately following the funeral. The family will then sit Shiva and receive friends at 151 Highland Avenue, Middletown, from 1:15 to 5:30pm.

Sue adored animals and was a long-time supporter of The Middletown Humane Society.  Please make any desired donations there.

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

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