Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
THERESA -- Suzanne passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 26, 2024, in Panama City, Florida.
Sue was born February 12th, 1940, to Glenn Calhoun and Opal Calhoun Ritchie in the town of Theresa, NY.
She graduated from Theresa High School in 1956 at the age of sixteen, and then completed a year of post graduate work at the high school prior to attending Cortland State in 1957 and 1958.
Sue married Dean Walts on July 4th, 1959, and worked in the Flacks Dairy Bar while Dean attended Oswego State. After Dean graduated from Oswego State, Sue returned to Cortland in 1962 to complete her own education. She graduated in 1964 with four children – according to her, her greatest accomplishments.
In 1964, Sue, Dean and their four children moved to Canton where they both began long careers at Canton Central School.
For 31 years, Sue loved teaching Physical Education, coaching soccer, gymnastics, track and field, and officiating volleyball. She retired in 1995.
After retirement, Sue and Dean split their time between their home in Florida on St. George Island, and their camp on the St. Lawrence River in Morristown.
She was a devoted caregiver to Dean who had Parkinson’s disease for 23 years.
Three children survive Sue: Wendy Falvey (Dean Swift) of Canton NY, Tracy Elliott (Dave) of Canton, NY, and Nicholas Walts (Tracy Stauffer) of Jamesville, NY. Five grandchildren also survive her: Allison Elliott of Canton NY, Christopher Falvey (Missy) of Plattsburgh, NY, Morgan Elliott (Emily) of Rensselaer Falls, NY, Maggie Elliott of Potsdam, NY, and Emiley Walts (Zach Biron) of Biddeford, ME.
Sue is survived by three great-grandchildren, her sister in laws, Carolyn O’Neill of Clayton, NY, and Rita Grant (Greggory) of Theresa, NY, and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Sue leaves behind dear friends, Grace/Ron Whitman, Nancy/Denny Jones all of Canton, NY.; and Gloria/Ritchie Schoelles of Port St. Joe Florida, as well as her adopted family the Buckalew’s and her former students who stayed in close touch with her throughout the years.
She is pre-deceased by her husband of 59 years, Dean E. Walts Sr. (2019), a son, Dean E. Walts Jr. (2006) and her brother, Rhoderick Calhoun (2012).
Donations can be made in Sue’s name to the St. Lawrence County Hospice.
A Private celebration of life will be held on July 4th, an incredibly special day for the Walts Family.
Those wishing to extend condolences online may do so at www.heritagefhllc.com.
