Suzanne Stivers

Stivers, Suzanne (Messersmith)

Died peacefully at her home at Glenora on Seneca Lake, Dundee, on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007 after a brief illness. Survivors include her children: Christina S. Gibson (David); Elizabeth A. Fraboni (Bob); Andrew J. Stivers; Martha L. Stivers; a beloved aunt, Bunny Moss; a brother, Craig E. Messersmith (Jane), and grandchildren Abby E. Gibson, Vanessa J. Gibson, Max H. Fraboni, Wells R. Fraboni and Keely E. Fraboni.

After graduating from Rochester General Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1954, Sue spent the majority of her life dedicated to her family and healthcare issues. In 1955 she married the love of her life, The Reverend Alton H. Stivers (deceased) with whom she loved to travel.

From 1958-1961 she and her husband were missionaries for the Episcopal Church in Brazil, where together they started a rural Women’s Health Clinic and a church school, both of which are still active today. As an RN, she worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including Public Health, Long Term Care, Planned Parenthood, school nurse at Wells College, and additional missionary stints in Belize, Central America.

Suzanne was an active member of each community that she lived in and was one of the founding volunteers for the Schuyler Ambulance Service in Watkins Glen, NY, and Hospice of Cayuga County. She volunteered with the Dundee Public Library & St. James Thrift Shop. She was a member of many community organizations, including the Vestry of St. James, the Red Hat Society and a local Women’s Trust Group.

An avid traveler, Sue visited a number of countries with various family members and friends, including Brazil, England, Wales, France, Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Australia. The place she enjoyed the most was her beautiful home on Seneca Lake where she loved to garden, swim, hike in the woods and walk her beloved yellow Labrador, Chiquita.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly consider making a donation to one of Sue’s favorite charities: Doctors Without Borders, Our Little Roses Home for Girls in Honduras, Central America (www.ourlittleroses.org), or a Hospice facility of your choice.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 6th from 2-4 p.m. at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, NY, and the funeral service will be on Sunday, January 7th at 2 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, Decatur St., Watkins Glen.

You may light a candle of remembrance and support for the family at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com