Obituary of Susan J. O'Brien

Susan J. “Sue” Tofte O’Brien, 67, of the Town of Nassau (Averill Park), beloved wife for 32 years to Michael J. “Mike” O’Brien, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by and in the loving care of her family at home on Sunday, March 30, 2025 following a valiant battle with ovarian cancer.

Born in Troy, New York, she is the daughter of William H. “Bill” (Karen) and the late Jean B. Torncello Tofte and was a graduate of Lansingburgh High School before attending Jacob’s Pillow Dance Center, School and Performance Space in Becket, Massachusetts where she studied and was mentored under the tutelage of Melissa Hayden from the New York City Ballet. She and her family were proud of her dance and theater accomplishments and especially of her winning a Bronze Medal in an ultra competitive performance.

Sue retired after 31 years from a dedicated career at SRI Fire & Sprinkler Systems in Albany and then for 10 years was a Teacher’s Aide with the Averill Park Central School District. She had also served as Stage Manager, taught ballet and acting at a local theater in Averill Park.

Sue was an avid reader, loved to walk, hiking, dancing, different genres of music, the outdoors and yoga.

Beloved wife of Mike, devoted mother of Kyle (Alyssa) O’Brien, cherished daughter of Bill (Karen) Tofte, adored sister of Christine “Chris” (Thomas “Tom) O’Brien, loving sister-in-law of Dan (Mary Alice) O’Brien and Mary (Curt) Sauvie, dear aunt of Kelsey (Kevin) and Seth (Kate) – their children Jameson and Frankie, and to Kevin (Jamie), Sean (Meagan), Chessica (Eric) and Tia (Matt).

Relatives and friends are invited to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065 for Calling Hours on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and also for the Funeral Service on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waterford.

Susan’s family would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to Dr. Heidi Godoy and the staff at NYOH as well as the staff at Samaritan Hospital for all of their loving care and support provided to both Sue and her family.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PO Box 32141, New York, New York 10087-2141 or on-line at www.ocrahope.org in memory of Susan J. O’Brien.

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