Susan Jackson Colligan
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Pittsford, NY, formerly of Constableville, passed away on June 23, 2025.
Born in Boonville on April 21, 1949, she was the daughter of Graydon and Kathryne (Butler) Jackson. Susan graduated from South Lewis Central School in 1967. She pursued undergraduate studies in Boston and went on to earn a Master of Science (1972) and a Master of Social Work (1985) from Syracuse University.
Susan dedicated her life to the service of others. Her professional journey included leadership and therapeutic roles that touched countless lives. She served as Director of Planned Parenthood in Lewis County, and later worked at the Mental Health Offices of both Lewis and Oneida Counties. She then led a Collaborative Day Treatment Program for children ages 5–13 through the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center.
After retiring from New York State service, Susan moved to Baltimore, where she joined the University of Maryland and Baltimore Crisis Response. In 2010, she relocated to Rochester to be closer to family and continued her work as an Intake Coordinator at the Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center, retiring in 2023.
Susan’s compassion and empathy were the hallmarks of her character. She was also a devoted animal lover, particularly fond of cats and Labrador retrievers. Many animals found a forever home with her—loved, spoiled, and safe. She never hesitated to help an animal in need, often going out of her way to do so.
In 1972, Susan married Arel Brown of Lowville in the gardens at Constable Hall. They made their home in Lowville and welcomed their daughter, Alia, during the infamous Blizzard of ’77. After their divorce, Susan returned to Constableville, where she lived happily for many years.
Later, she remarried and moved to Baltimore with her husband, George Colligan. They shared many adventures together, including spending much of Susan’s breast cancer recovery time sailing on George’s beloved boat.
In 2010, Susan moved to Pittsford to be near her daughter. There, she welcomed David and Devlin Gervasi into her heart as family, and celebrated the birth of her grandson, Graydon, with immense joy. Being a grandmother was one of her greatest blessings.
Susan is survived by her daughter Alia, her family, and the loving extended family she built over the years, including many dear friends and colleagues.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Lewis County Humane Society.
Very sorry for your loss Alia. You were a great daughter to be there every step of the way. You went through a lot with this terrible situation no one would want to fathom. Our deepest condolences . 🙏🏻.
Alia I am so lucky to have known your mom and call you both family. ❤️
Having met Susan (not in person but via mail) was one of the best things which happened to me since 2008, when recovering from lung cancer surgery. She acted as a very close friend and ‘voluntary’therapist. I kept (and – where meaningful! – applied much of her advice and shared wisdom). Soon after our first contact I considered her a close friend whom showed much interest in my life, as I did in her’s. This friendship lasted until today; our last mail exchange dated June 9th when she confirmed feeling very sick. I say goodbye and farewell to a very close dear friend. I learned a lot from her!
To Alia, David and Graydon: letting Susan go is a big los. At the same time it creates a great memory!
Take care!
Having met Susan (not in person but via mail) was one of the best things which happened to me since 2008, when recovering from lung cancer surgery. She acted as a very close friend and therapist. I kept (and – where meaningful! – applied much of her advice and shared wisdom. Soon after our first contact I considered her a close friend whom showed much interest in my life, as I did in her’s. This friendship lasted until today; our last mail exchange dated June 9th when she confirmed feeling very sick. I say goodbye and farewell to a very close friend. I learned a lot from her!
To Alia, David and Graydon: letting Susan go is a big los. At the same time it creates a great memory!
To Susan’s family: Sorry for your loss. Sending sympathy to you all. I graduated with her from SLCS. She will be missed by many.
Alia so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She and my mom were great friends, and I grew close to her over the years. I hope she is now resting peacefully.
Susan was more than a dear friend—she was a light in my life and in the lives of so many. Her boundless energy, humor, and compassion made even the darkest days brighter. I saw firsthand how she poured herself into helping others, never turning away when someone was in pain. She had a rare gift for making people feel safe, valued, and loved. I will carry her laughter, her strength, and her kindness with me always. Rest well, Susan—you gave this world so much.
Condolences on your loss. I have good memories of Susan when I was working as discharge planner at Lowville hospital. Susan was working on and finishing her masters and we often discussed that process. I will remember those pleasant conversations!