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I am very sad to report that Susan Snell (Whitaker) passed away. Her husband Les Whitaker notified us of her death. He commented on how much she treasured her friends in Pleasantville. Likewise, we treasured Susan. She was always a shining light in our class from the early days of Bedford Road School right through PHS.
Susan died on August 22 in Riverside, CA following a nine year battle against ovarian cancer.At the time of our 50th reunion she had just finished chemo treatments, but was determined (very Susan - like!) to make the cross country trek to be with the class. She made it and it was a delight to see her and to meet Les.
In our high school yearbook , besides accolades received for being the star player of the infamous St. Trinians "athletic" team, Susan was described as a person who "glows with enthusiasm" and tying in with this her favorite expressions were "how fabulous !!!" and "phenomenal !!!". From the time I spent with her at the reunion I'd say she had not changed. She was still interested in everyone and was very content with her life. It was wonderful to see her.
In addition to her husband Les, Susan is survived by two children (Paul and Lauren Bracciodieta), 3 stepchildren, 9 grandchildren, her sisters (Janet in Colorado) and Marjorie in Laguna Beach, CA) and their children. Her mother, whom I'm sure many of you remember, died last year at the age of 104.
(Becky 8/27/20)
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Geoffery Yorke
I was saddened tonight to receive yet another notice of the passing of one of our classmates. I did not know Sue well but I do remember her as a quiet yet friendly and smiling presence in our halls and later at our reunions. Perhaps because I was a single child, I saw (and continue to see) the members of PHS 64 as the extended family which biology alone did not confer upon me. The loss of any member of that circle really hurts. My sympathies go to the Whitaker family and also to the Snell family, as they have recently lost not only Sue but her mother and the daughter of her sister Janet as well. Let us all pray for their peace.
I agree with Ellen; it would be great to see another reunion, when circumstances will permit.
Marilynn Zipes (Wallace)
How very sad! She was indeed bubbly and full of joie de vivre. I enjoyed reconnecting at the 50th reunion. I remember her also at the 25th reunion, when we all gathered at the bar in the Old Village on the Friday night. The two of us gazed on our group of fellow PHS graduates and remarked how well everyone looked - especially some of the guys that we hadn't noticed back then! We shared some very mischievous comments. A lovely lady...
Leslie Cauley (Wood)
I am sad to hear about Susan, always with a smile and so competent. She grew into a very classy lady.
Sue LaBlonde (Patterson)
This is very sad news. Susan and I literally grew up together from toddler years, living across the street from each other. So many childhood memories from our exclusive Zin and Zan club (Susan and Suzanne), trips to Jones Beach and Bear Mountain, camp in Vermont and many neighborhood shenanigans. I remember how grown up we felt when we were allowed to go to NYC alone to see West Side Story (8th or 9th grade?). Susan and Les were the most gracious hosts and I had the pleasure of visting them in Riverside a few years back, and more recently in Lake Tahoe. My heart goes out to Les, Paul and Lauren, and sisters Janet and Margery.
Anne Valentine (Duncan)
I, too, was stunned to learn of Susan's death. At the 50th she simply glowed and shared her enthusiasm about life in general. My thoughts are with all of her family and I hope she is at peace now. Susan fixed me up with the fellow who is still my husband.....always indebted to her. I shall miss seeing her at the next reunion.
Nancy Ward
I'm so sorry to hear about Sue. I remember a slumber party at her house. We went to the Rome Theater to see Gone with the Wind. I remember that we all started crying before the sad parts because we had read the book and knew what was going to happen. I was so happy to see her at our 50th reunion.
Nancy Ward
Nan Tull (McDaniel)
I am so sad to hear about Sue. We were together for all 12 years of school, and she never failed to be kind, friendly, and enthusiastic in all that time. She was the same as always at our 50th reunion, and I was so glad to hear how very happy she was in her marriage to Les. My thoughts are with Sue's wonderful family. They have lost someone special. I treasure many lovely memories of her.
Kathlyn Hannigan (Deak)
Susan was such a gracious presence throughout our school days. And since Bedford Road School, I remember how she looked like a doll in a pink sundress! Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Mitzi Porter (Bolin)
I am also greatly saddened about Sue Snell. I remember her as one of the most beautiful girls/women I ever knew. I was in a number of group activities with her... Tri Hi Y (??), a singing group (?) Anne, Pam, do you remember? We sang "Button Up Your Overcoat" among other songs at a high school talent show. She was always so enthusiastic about whatever activities were going on, and a great skier. Our older sisters, (Janet and Janie) were good friends, and that brought us together as well. It's hard to believe she is gone. Such a lovely, friendly, kind person. My heart goes out to her family.
Constance Leyden (Wynn)
My memories go way back to when the LaBlondes, Snells, Scofields and Leydens started a bridge club. At national holiday times (Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor day) all our families would get together somewhere and have a big BBQ and softball game. The parents were the BC (for bridge club) and us kids were the Vic Tannys (at that time a popular health/fitness trainer?) And there was the time we all were at Button Island for a week. I will miss Sue.