Laurens, NY – Susan J. Heald, 80, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022, at Robinson Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation in Stamford, NY, following a period of failing health.

She was born November 7, 1942, in Melrose, MA, the daughter of James F. and Gladys (Addison) Heald.

Susan graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1960, and the University of New Hampshire in 1964.

Otego, NY was her home for many years, where she raised her children. In September 1979, Susan became the first female Firefighter and EMT of the Otego Fire Department and Emergency Squad and later a Mount Vision Fire Department member. She enjoyed the many years she spent working on the Hoose Farm in Mount Vision, NY and cultivated her love of cows during that time.

Susan worked for over 20 years as the Head of the Microbiology Department at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta. In 2001 she retired to move to New Hampshire to help care for her father. As a child, her family spent summers at Bow Lake in Strafford, NH, which was her favorite place to be.

While in NH, she became a member of the Bow Lake Free Will Baptist Church in Strafford. She spent many hours volunteering at the Hill Library, at local events, or helping community members. She later worked part-time at the Hill Library.

Susan returned to NY in 2016. She loved being outdoors tending her gardens, doing yard work, or walking. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, and baking.

Susan is survived by her children, Karl Ericson of Orlando, FL and Pamela (Will) Weir of Laurens; her mother, Gladys Heald of Strafford, NH; brothers, James (Beverly) Heald of Kennebunkport, ME and John Heald (Everett Langley) of Billerica, MA; grandchildren, that she was very proud of, Justin (Gina) Dickinson, Amy Garcia, Zachery Ericson, Mason Weir, and Jordan Weir; 1 great-grandson, Liam Dickinson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her beloved father predeceased her.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. January 28, 2023 at the Bow Lake Free Will Baptist Church.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association; www.alz.org.

Condolences to the family may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com , the website of Oneonta's only family owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.