Suzanne T. Clevenberg's Obituary
You may have known her as Sue, Suze, Suza, Susie Q, SueSue, Susan, Susie Cream Cheese or a host of other names but she was born Suzanne Clevenberg on June 29th, 1962, the third child of Walter Clevenberg and Margaret (Peggy) Ryan in Yonkers, NY and the 50th grandchild of Patrick (Packy) Ryan and Elizabeth (Bessie) Roark, also of Yonkers, NY, which earned her a picture in the local paper. She is survived by her siblings – Jane Zielinski (John) of Walton, NY, James Clevenberg (Donna) of Eustis, FL, Patricia Slater (David) of New York, NY, Elizabeth Cummins (Eamon) of LaGrangeville, NY and her God-daughter, Aimee DeCesare of Bronxville, NY. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Sarah Franco (Brian), John Zielinski (Nicole), Walter Zielinski, Maggie Orellana (Elkyn), Dylan Cummins, Tyler Cummins and Ariana Gabrielle DeJesus and her grand nephews, Aaron Zielinski, Jake Zielinski, Nicholas Franco, Nathan Franco and her grandniece, Reyna Orellana.
In addition to family, Sue had more friends than could ever be counted or named. She was a friend to all of her siblings and a sister to all of her friends, acquaintances, classmates, neighbors, co-workers and business associates. Once Sue became your friend, you were forever a part of her. She was a light to many in darkness, a protector for all in need and always a source of laughter, fun, beauty, music and wisdom.
Sue attended St. Barnabas Elementary School, graduated from Lincoln High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Iona College and a master’s degree in Organizational Development from Manhattanville College, graduating suma cum laude. For many years she worked in human resources for corporate America, including Morgan Stanley, MasterCard, Citibank, and Towers Perrin.
She later followed her passion by becoming a licensed NYS Real Estate Broker. She was certified as a Prudential Relocation Specialist and owned her own business, Royal Grand Realty, where her motto was “Because … your home is your castle”. Her awards included the 2006 WCBR Excellence in Sales Award, a US Patent #7121024, granted October 2006 and Who’s Who Among Students Award and Honors Graduate.
Our Sue loved cooking, especially seafood. She found great joy in preparing special foods for family and friends. She loved all kinds of music and could sing the words to countless songs by heart. She was always singing, dancing and having fun. Another great passion of hers was animals, especially dogs. Some of her dearest companions were Kimba, Brutus, Lady, Cooper, Gigi and Ryan. She would give them all kinds of unique love names and smother them with affection, praise and treats. She is survived by her beloved Ry-Ry, who will remain with Jim and Donna, who love him and will care for him as Sue would wish. He is their dog now.
Mostly, our Sue was a caregiver. Taking care of others became her purpose in life and she did it so well. She always put others before herself – friends, neighbors, siblings, and even strangers. No one could have been more dedicated to our Mom as she grew older. After Mom passed, she moved to Florida to be close to Jim and Donna, where they spent the past three years living together, loving each other and helping one another – as families are meant to do.
It is so hard to think of a world without our Sue. She was truly a light in the darkness, and we start today missing her for the rest of our lives. But she would want us to go on – singing, dancing, loving and living for others. Now, we are all part of Team Sue.
Condolence or mass cards can be sent to Elizabeth Cummins, 72 Andrews Lane, LaGrangeville, NY 12540.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sue’s memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate or to any local animal shelter of your choice.
Services will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, date to be determined.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
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