Susan Haigney, a long time resident of Rye, passed away on November 2, 2023, after a ten year battle with triple negative breast cancer. She was 66.
Born on December 3, 1956, the last of the five children born to Millicent and Douglas Haigney, Sue lived nearly her entire life on Dearborn Ave in Rye attending Milton and RHS (Class of ’75) before moving to Branford CT after the death of her partner and the love of her life, Julio Velazquez. Her life was defined by her laughter, her art, her gardens, and a deep love for family, neighbors and the landscape of Rye. Nothing made her happier than playing with neighborhood children, bird watching in the woods of Rye and walking on our beautiful beaches and spending time with her family and neighbors around her house in Rye and Branford.
As the youngest of the family, Sue got away with most everything! Like climbing the fully decorated Christmas tree for a better view or cooking chili dogs at 2 AM. Life with Sue was never dull or quiet. She had an infectious laugh and a wonderful wry sense of humor. She had a knack for finding humor in the most unexpected places. Even in hospice, she kept everyone laughing up till the end.
Her four siblings and their spouses all loved her completely for her generous sharing of herself with them and their children: oldest brother Douglas and wife Jenny (both now deceased), brother Peter and wife Kathleen, sister Patricia Smith and husband Spencer, and brother William Haigney and wife Andrea. She was also the cherished aunt of five nieces and nephews, Brendan, Lauren, Alexander, James and Katherine, and the adoring great-aunt of seven grand nieces and nephews, Lana, Colin, Vivienne, Smith, Brooke, Nico, and Noah. Sue’s family and neighbors were the cornerstones of her life, and she loved them with a passion that was as intense as some of the spicy dishes she loved to cook and share. She was age appropriate for anyone she met.
Sue was an accomplished artist. She trained at and received her Graphic Arts Degree from The Pratt Institute School of Art and operated a successful graphic art business for 30+ years. She found joy and solace in gardening, creating vibrant oases that were a testament to her creative spirit. Her garden was also a reflection of her personality—lively, colorful, full of life, and always uniquely Sue. Her love also included her beloved dogs, Ewah, Desi and Lucy.
Sue will be remembered as a person who was always fully present for whomever she encountered, embracing every second with grace and courage, cancer be damned. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, creativity, a deep connection to nature and incredible strength in the face of the many physical challenges thrown her way. Her leaving is and remains impossible.
There will be a wake for Sue and her brother Doug at the Graham Funeral Home In Rye on December 8, 2023 from 4 to 7 PM, followed by a funeral mass at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye on December 9 at 10 AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Committee to Save the Byrd Homestead on Milton Road in Rye, a favorite place of Sue’s.
