Suzette M. Vandeburg

Suzette Marie Vandeburg age 59 of Whitney Point, NY lost her courageous battle with the disease of MSA (Multiple Symptom Atrophy) on November 22nd surrounded by her loving family.  Suzette is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Robert Vandeburg, sons Kyle Vandeburg (Amber Swawola) and Brycen Vandeburg, mother Rose Elliott, siblings Philip (Sarah) Elliott, Daniel (Ali) Elliott, nieces Taylor Elliott and Madi Sue Elliott.  She was predeceased by her father Donald H. Elliott. 

At a young age Suzette learned to ride horses and became an accomplished rider and showed horses across several states winning many shows.  She graduated from Susquehanna Valley High School and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial from Broome Community College now known as SUNY Broome.  After several jobs Suzette landed in the graduate office at Binghamton University where she became Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions.  While working at Binghamton University and raising a young family she went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in 1995, and a Master’s Degree of Public Administration in 2002.  In 2002 she took on the job of Director of Graduate Admissions at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.  After spending five years in Florida Suzette moved back home with her family and took the job of Graduate Admissions Director at SUNY ESF in Syracuse where she retired in 2019 because of her health.

 Suzette belonged to NAGAP (National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals) where she was an active member who recorded sessions at their annual conferences all across the United States.  She also received various awards of Excellence for her work at various universities of which she was very proud of, but most of all she was proud to be a loving mother to her two sons.  She also adored her faithful Miniature Schnauzer, Iris. 

At Suzette’s request there won’t be any services.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 25th, 2023 at the United Methodist Church, Whitney Point, NY from 1-4 PM.  The family would like to thank Lourdes at home and Lourdes hospice for their care.  They would also like to thank the private aides (you know who you are) for the wonderful care and tons of smiles you provided her over the last year and a half.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Suzette’s name to Rock Steady Boxing at Empower Parkinson’s, P.O. Box 353, Tully, New York   13159 or Parkinson’s Foundation, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, New York   13215 or the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences can be made at WWW.SUNSETMEMORIALSERVICES.COM.  Arrangements are in the care of James Shara.

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