Suzanne Kay Bennett

SUZANNE KAY BENNETT

2/17/1958 – 9/15/2026

Ontario, NY – Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at age 68. Predeceased by her parents Bernard A. Mattes and Agnes A. (Rixen) Mattes, and by her former husband David Bennett. Survived by beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Once you met Suzanne, you knew you would never forget her. She lit up every room she entered, and nurtured every living thing she encountered. She was a one of a kind.

Suzanne was born and grew up in Syracuse, NY. She completed her basic nursing training at Central Tech High School and a variety of other educational programs, cared for her ailing father, then took her skills to local nursing homes and hospitals. She and David Bennett later moved to California so David could pursue his interest in deep sea diving. Eventually, they returned to Syracuse so Suzanne could care for her ailing mother. During that time, Suzanne raised finches and parakeets, designed jewelry, and worked for Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre.

Suzanne was gifted at many kinds of arts and crafts. She had an extraordinary green thumb, well into her later years. And she loved dogs, throughout her childhood and well into her adulthood.

Suzanne read voraciously on a wide variety of subjects, and loved to share what she gleaned from her studies. Eventually she studied to become a minister, teaching classes and facilitating study groups on various metaphysical subjects. She also spent time and attention researching the paranormal and UFOs. She could carry on a well-informed discussion on any topic, or simply relax and share her reflections on a good detective novel she’d recently conquered.

After her mother passed in 1998, Suzanne moved to Rochester, NY. Knowing that her health was one of her greatest challenges, she became a daily fixture at the Rochester Athletic Club. Soon, Suzanne took an interest in teaching classes herself, obtained training as a kick boxing instructor, and took on a few students at RAC. In the summer she was a frequent visitor to Durand Beach, along with her beloved service dog Buddy. She raised and trained him from his puppy days in a number of service skills including water rescue. Walking with Sue from one end of the beach to the other, it seemed that she and Buddy knew almost all the people there.

Suzanne’s heath began to fail in the spring of 2019. During the seven years that followed, she faced many challenges while residing in various forms of supported adult living. Using her own motivation and workout plan, she exercised her way out of skilled nursing and into a lower level of care, all while losing over 40 pounds of extra weight. In September of 2024, she moved Hilton NY, where she continued to win over the staff and many of the residents at the Hilton East

Assisted Living facility. Suzanne was known to support anyone who needed a helping hand, a boost on a busy work day, or a good belly laugh to get them through a rough patch. She loved her long walks into town and in nature, and yes, she maintained a regular exercise regimen almost to the end of her days.

When Suzanne was diagnosed with fatal heart disease in August of 2026, she made the courageous decision to enter hospice, keeping in mind what she learned from caring for both of her parents. Suzanne ended her time on this Earth at Pines of Peace in Ontario NY, after winning over everyone who worked with her with her sweetness and personal radiance.

To those inspired to make a donation in Suzanne’s memory, please consider a contribution to Pines of Peace (PinesOfPeace.org). Their extraordinary staff cared for her with much love and wisdom, at no charge, as Pines of Peace exists entirely on donations. Many years before she passed, Suzanne told a good friend that she had a vision of the place where she would finish her life. The description matched the room she inhabited at Pines of Peace almost perfectly.

She is now with Buddy, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. And she will be missed.