Also affectionately known as “Suzabelle”, she grew up in Lodi, but graduated from Sauk Prairie High School in 1968 after the family moved. She continued her education at UW Eau Claire with a BS in Music Education, graduating in 1972. After teaching music in Wisconsin, she departed for Buffalo to pursue her Masters at the University at Buffalo and never left, making her home there for over 40 years.
In addition to her job as a music educator, she was actively involved in NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association), GIML (Gordon Institute for Music Learning), and Buffalo Gateway Chorus, her local chapter of Sweet Adeline’s (where she was a member for 40 years!). She retired from Grand Island School District in 2013 and had kept herself busy since - traveling, competing/performing with her chorus, participating in many activities with her beloved Belvedere community, and MANY sewing projects. She vehemently defied all odds, having first been diagnosed with cancer in 1978 with a prognosis of a few years at best. She stubbornly stuck around for another 46, even having two children after being told it was impossible!
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christine Mackie & Jeff Rosenstock, son Brent Mackie and grand-dog Harrison. She is also survived by her sister Kathy Waters (Kevin Krueger), Jeanne Waters and four other sisters. She was predeceased by her brother Daniel “Butch” Waters, her parents Beatrice “Bea” and Robert “Windy” Waters. She also leaves behind an enormous chosen family, in Buffalo, Wisconsin, and across the world.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at her beloved home, the Belvedere, 375 Harris Hill Road in Williamsville, from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susie’s memory to Roswell Park Foundation, Buffalo Gateway Chorus or GIML – The Gordon Institute for Music Learning.
