Susan Quick, of Ithaca, NY passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. 

Born November 14, 1944, in White Plains, NY to Almon D. and Mary (Pabor) Quick, Susan grew up to live a dynamic life with many hobbies and adventures over her 81 years. She graduated from Katona High School, then attended the University of Vermont, but relocated to be closer to family in Ithaca before graduating. She was proud of her career as a lab tech in the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, specializing in bacteriology. She met life-long friends in her decades working in the lab and did important work in the care of animals, another passion of hers. 

Over the years, Susan provided a loving home to cats and dogs, with a preference for Doberman and Schipperke dog breeds, and rescue kitties. Her love of animals led her to involvement with the Ithaca Dog Training Club, where she served as President, Board Member and Training Director over the years. She was also a member of the Finger Lakes Kennel Club and enjoyed working at their fall show in the agility ring. 

Beyond the pets in her home, Susan owned horses for most of her life and went on many horse-related adventures. Every year, she traveled to The Royal Winter Fair with her sister and brother-in-law. The agricultural fair always fell around her birthday and was an opportunity to see friends from the horse world, as well as enjoy the treats of Toronto. Riding horses and her sense of adventure also led her to participate in the Bicentennial Wagon Train in 1976, riding her beloved horse Raider over the course of many days to reach Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where wagon trains from across the US converged in celebration of 200 years of our nation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that trek.

Resolutely independent, Susan took pride in the home she built and maintained for herself. On a beautiful plot on Snyder Hill Road, she constructed a rustic salt box home out of barn beams her family helped her gather from around the area. The building plan was from an original house at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. It overlooks a peaceful meadow and pond and includes a woodland garden she proudly planted and grew over the years. 

Susan had several creative outlets, including Contra and Scottish Country dancing. She, along with her sister and brother-in-law, would travel to Mohonk Mountain House each January for a Scottish weekend to enjoy music and dancing. Her main craft was spinning wool into yarn and then using it to knit beautiful things. She was a member of the Blacksheep Handspinners Guild, mentoring other spinners, and winning prizes for her hand-spun yarn and hand-knit sweaters at The Great New York State Fair. You may have seen her volunteering in the wool barn or the Farm Museum at The Fair doing spinning demonstrations. She was a regular there, whether it was to show Draft horses alongside her sister, both hitch and halter, or spin wool. The Great New York State Fair, much like The Royal, was another meeting point for many of Susan’s hobbies, passions and time with family that were tied to history, art, and agriculture. She always enjoyed Baker’s Chicken and a maple soft serve.

After retirement, Susan kept active with exercise classes and a busy social life for more than 20 years. She went on road trips and retreats around the northeast and Canada and loved driving her manual transmission Honda with custom plates. She bought art that filled her home and her heart with joy. She watched cooking shows and enjoyed all things gourmet, especially seafood. It was only last summer that her health began to decline, and a life of being a good friend and aunt made her loved ones happy to rally to her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Flinn, brother-in-law David Flinn, and niece Darlene Flinn.

Susan is survived by her nephews Dale (Gayle) Flinn of Lansing, and Glenn Flinn of Lansing, great niece Elizabeth (Scott) Martin of Baldwinsville, NY, great nephew Corey (Michelle) Flinn of Newfield, NY, and great-great niece Kinsley Flinn, all of whom affectionately called her “Aunt Sue.”

She will be missed by many special friends who just cannot be listed for fear of missing someone precious to her. Whether at work or at play, she made friends wherever she went, and she was cherished in return.

There will be a celebration of her life at a later date, details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice that supports animal rescue and welfare. Condolences at shepardsonfh.com.