Susan B. Collis, 74, of Worcester, entered into the Joy of Eternal Life, Saturday, April 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Susan was born on November 20, 1947 in Batavia, NY to John L. and Audrey Irene (Reynolds) Benedict.  As the daughter of a US Soldier and a British war bride, Susan was raised to be a  wonderful combination of English virtue and American spirit.  She embodied those unique attributes throughout her life, touching all who knew her in a memorable way.

Due to her father's occupation, Susan moved several times before entering high school. Adjusting to new people and places embellished Susan's curious spirit, and she became a talented conversationalist at a young age. Upon graduating high school from Bethlehem Central in 1965, Susan embarked on a notable career at The Hartford insurance company.  At The Hartford, she became the first female insurance adjuster in the state of New York, an accomplishment of which she was most proud.  In 1966, Susan was married and later had two children, Beth Ellen and Jill Irene.  As a young mother, Susan engaged in many community activities, leading Whitesboro High School's Boosters Club, singing in her church choir, and hosting numerous memorable neighborhood parties.  She was also a local celebrity, starring in a commercial for a popular local supermarket, the Super Duper.

Susan began a new chapter of her life on January 20, 1979, when she was united in marriage to Delbert E. Collis. She had a cherished love with Del, her husband of over thirty years.  The two shared a life together in their charming farmhouse, riding a 1948 red and white Ford tractor over acres of fields and forests.  Here, they raised Beth and Jill, and instilled in the children a deep appreciation for life centered on family, nature, and lots and lots of fun.  Days were filled with gardening, tending to chickens and ponies, and entertaining good friends around the kitchen table.  Susan shared her gifts with a community she loved dearly, serving as the Deputy Supervisor of Worcester under the leadership of Roy J. Althiser, Jr.  She was also employed at Ardy's Dairy Bar and Walt's Restaurant, two community landmarks.  Susan loved to sing and shared her exceptional voice in the United Methodist Church choir, as well as community events such as the annual Strawberry Festival and Christmas Cantata.

In her later years, nothing brought Susan more joy than being with her five grandchildren and answering to the sweet name of Grammy. Each child was her favorite; she treasured nothing more than watching Anna grow into a beautiful and sensible young woman, seeing Nathan's outstanding skills on the soccer field, hearing Claire's extraordinary singing, marveling at Ray's unrivaled video editing skills, and applauding Kate's colorful karate moves.  Although she attended many concerts and sporting events, she truly embraced being with her grandchildren in ordinary moments, when there was no special occasion; she simply loved spending time with them.  Grammy will be missed beyond measure.  Susan will be best remembered for her genuine compassion for others, her terrific talent for good conversation, and her love for the farm, her family, and her friends.

As Susan is called to the Kingdom of God, she is reunited in Heaven with her parents, her husband Del, and her sister Jennifer Benedict. She is predeceased by her first husband, Richard C. Robinson.

She is survived by her two beloved daughters Beth E. Cain (Rick) of Worcester, NY and Jill R. Spivak (Andy) of North Potomac, MD; her sister Catherine A. Kelleher (Michael) of Duxbury, MA; five cherished grandchildren Anna, Nathan, Claire, Raymond, and Kate; nieces Patricia Kelleher Williams (Ben) and Lauren Trivellini (Patrizio), and nephews Alexander Kominski (Brenda) and John M. Kelleher.  She also leaves behind numerous friends in both the Worcester and North Potomac communities, as well as her treasured dog, Allie, her two naughty kittens named Leona and Mia, and Sunny, a well-mannered old cat.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Susquehanna SPCA (www.sqspca.org). Donations may be securely submitted online or mailed to the shelter at 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown NY 13326.   Donations may also be made to the Worcester Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, May 7th at the United Methodist Church, 111 Main Street, Worcester. Please honor Sue's life by wearing bright colors.

Calling hours will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 7th at Jack's Pub, 9556 NY-7, Worcester.