Susan M. Merrihew

Susan M. Merrihew, 70, Alexandria Bay, NY, passed away at River Hospital on Saturday.

Susan was born on October 31, 1954, the daughter of Edward J. and Gloria Guerrieri Walentuk. She graduated from Alexandria Central High School in 1972 and attended SUNY Potsdam. She worked for many years as a server at local establishments including the Ship Restaurant and Cavallario’s Steak House.

Susan was active in the Alexandria Bay Figure Skating Club, devoting many years serving on the Board and volunteering during competitions, test sessions, and skating shows. Susan was a weekly communicant at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church. She most enjoyed cooking for her family, watching her grandchildren play soccer, lacrosse, and hockey, and visiting with friends including Mr. and Mrs. Kavanaugh and the late Donna Millett. Susan was also a huge fan of Syracuse University sports, the Buffalo Bills, the NY Giants, NY Yankees, and the NY Rangers.

Susan is survived by her daughter Katie (Brian) Durand, Alexandria Bay; her grandchildren Ellie and Jackson Durand; siblings Paul Walentuk, VA, Martha (Thomas) Ivey, Clayton, NY, Joel (Dawn) Walentuk, Wellesley Island, NY, Joan (Lance) Travis, Forestburg, NY, Michael Walentuk, Alexandria Bay, and Mary (James) Cummings, Alexandra Bay, NY; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 19th from 4-7 pm at Costello Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 20th at 11 am at St. Cyril’s Church. Spring burial will be with her parents at St. Cyril’s Cemetery, Alexandria Bay.

Katie and her family would like to extend a huge thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at River Hospital for the care, support, and compassion they provided Susan in her final weeks.

Memorial donations may be made in Susan’s name to River Hospital at riverhospital.org