Susan D. Fitzpatrick

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”
A.A. Milne

Susan D. Fitzpatrick, 91, Public Advocate, Trailblazer

Born on November 14, 1934, the oldest of five children of Edward and Etrulia “Truly” Donovan, Susan “Sue” Fitzpatrick was raised in Detroit, Michigan, during the height of the automotive era. Bright, curious, and determined from an early age, she worked on the school newspaper at Cooley High School and graduated in 1952 with a full scholarship to Barat College in Chicago, Illinois.

When her family relocated to New Rochelle, New York, Sue was drawn to the excitement and possibility of nearby New York City. She moved to the Upper East Side, attended Hunter College, and worked in editorial positions at publisher Prentice Hall. At a military officers’ dance at the Warwick Hotel, she met a dashing Navy officer, Lieutenant Brian E. Fitzpatrick of Newton, Massachusetts, a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. After a whirlwind courtship, the two were married in November 1959 in an intimate ceremony in Bronxville, New York, officiated by her favorite uncle, Rev. Douglas Pearl. Their marriage marked the beginning of a loving partnership that lasted 66 years.

In the early years of their marriage, Sue and Brian built a life filled with adventure, resilience, and possibility, moving frequently as Brian’s career developed. Together they lived in more than a dozen cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, and San Diego, before eventually settling for a time in Philadelphia, where Sue supported the family while Brian attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

After welcoming their first son, John, and daughter, Maura, they decided to put down roots in Ossining, New York, purchasing a newly built home where they expanded their family with the addition of their son, Brendan. Deeply devoted to her children and community, Sue became active in the local PTA and was a founding member of Mothers for School Bus Safety following a series of tragic accidents locally and across the country. Her determined advocacy brought her to Albany several times to testify before a state panel that included Governor Malcolm Wilson. Her efforts helped lead to the passage of statewide legislation in 1974 mandating stronger school bus safety standards, including increased seat-height protections.

Recognized for her intelligence, compassion, and effectiveness as a grassroots advocate, Sue was encouraged by local Democrats to run for Town Council. In 1975, she was elected the first woman to serve on the Town Board, receiving the highest number of votes on the Democratic ticket that year.

Never one to stop learning, Sue graduated magna cum laude from Pace University in 1978 and was accepted into the second graduating class of the newly established Pace Law School in White Plains at the age of 44. Truly ahead of her time, she balanced the demands of raising a young family, serving her community, and pursuing higher education with grace, humor, and determination.

After graduating from Pace Law in 1981, Sue joined the Bronx Family Court as assigned counsel, where she became a tireless advocate for children and families in need. Her distinguished legal career later included roles as counsel to the Appellate Panel of the New York Supreme Court and counsel for the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Even into her 80s, Sue continued researching, litigating, and supporting her clients, often working alongside her beloved husband, Brian.

As a family, the Fitzpatricks loved spending summer vacations together on Surfside Beach, Nantucket, for nearly four decades, surrounded by an ever-growing circle of family, friends, in-laws, grandchildren and dogs, as well as Sue’s cherished niece, Kelly and mother, “Mrs. D.” As empty nesters, Sue planned extraordinary trips for herself and Brian throughout the US and Europe, always inviting family and friends to join them.

In 2007, Sue and Brian moved to Red Hook, New York, where they embraced the joys of family life with their grandchildren, Gavin and Payton. They became active members of the local community and shared their home with two adopted Greyhounds. In 2016, they settled in Albany to be closer to family, continuing the warmth, generosity, and deep sense of connection that defined Sue’s life.

The Fitzpatrick family wishes to thank the staff at Community Hospice and the nursing team at Shaker Place in Albany, New York, for supporting Sue with genuine compassion and professionalism. You gave our family the gift of quality time together while ensuring Sue’s dignity and comfort.

Sue is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Brian; her son, John; her daughter, Maura Theriault (Richard); her son, Brendan (Jennifer); her beloved grandchildren, Gavin and Payton, who brought her immense pride and joy; and her brother, Steve Donovan (Norma). Her love, strength, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to family and community will remain with all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Hospice, https://www.communityhospice.org/.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 26 in Albany, NY.