Susan J. Gibson

Susan J. Gibson August 18, 1964 - September 11, 2022

Webster, NY - Susan J. Gibson died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on September 11, surrounded by family members, pastor, and a very compassionate team of professionals and volunteers at Rochester General Hospital. Susan is survived by parents, Bruce and Barbara Gibson, brother Doug (Susan) Gibson, nieces Katelyn and Erin, numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and members of her church family. She is predeceased by cousin, Jonathan DeYoung, but survived by Jon’s wife Brenda.

Susan lived in the Rochester, NY area throughout her life. She is a 1982 graduate of Irondequoit High School. Susan earned her BA in Business Administration from Alma College in 1986, where she was an active member of Alma’s service fraternity. She later continued her education, earning an Associates Degree in Applied Science at Monroe Community College. She completed a Health Information Technology program, graduating With Distinction and earning admittance to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Susan was employed in medical records coding at the University of Rochester Medical Center until her 2008 stroke resulting from a brain aneurysm.

Despite physical challenges and aphasia from her stroke, Susan’s optimism, determination, and dedication to rehabilitation work enabled her to recover many skills and continue active life as a volunteer. Susan had a lifelong love for cats and volunteered weekly at a local shelter. She was also a weekly volunteer at the Irondequoit Public Library and the Rochester Medical Museum and Archives. Susan was an active member and volunteer at Walworth United Methodist Church, assisting with vacation Bible school, Family Promise of Wayne County, and the women’s service organization, as well as preparing and serving numerous church dinners. In Susan’s spare time, she was an avid reader and a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and loving parent to her energetic adopted cat “Pip”.

Having made the choice to be an organ donor, Susan was able to continue to give of herself to others, even as she left this world. 

The following message was displayed next to Susan’s apartment door for her to view each day and it summarizes her positive, giving outlook on life: 

“I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY.

Happiness is not dependent on my circumstances.

It’s a choice I make.

I look for the good in everything.

Although I may not see it now, there is a gift and a blessing in every situation.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Susan’s memory can be made to Lollypop Farms, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 or Walworth United Methodist Church, 3679 Main Street, Walworth, NY 14568. You are invited to leave an online condolence by visiting Susan’s tribute wall, www.murphyfuneralservices.com. 

A service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held on Saturday, October 1, at 1:00 p.m. at the Walworth United Methodist Church at 3679 Main Street in Walworth, with a reception to follow.

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