Write a commentSuzanne Branshaw, 84, of Oswego, New York, passed away on July 12, 2026.
Born in Fulton to the late John P and Rose T (DeAmbrose) Chalone on November 14, 1941, she was raised with the values of faith, family, and community that would guide her throughout her life.
Sue graduated from Oswego Catholic High School in 1959 and Marywood College in 1963. She later pursued graduate studies at Syracuse University. Music was at the heart of her life, and she devoted her career to sharing it with children, families, parishioners, and the Oswego community.
She taught music to students of all ages in Baldwinsville, Solvay, Honolulu HI, Newark NY, and at St. Mary’s School in Oswego. Throughout her many years in the classroom, she encouraged countless students with her patience, talent, enthusiasm, and deep love of music.
Sue also served as the organist and choir director at St. Mary’s Church in Oswego. Her career at the organ spanned 64½ years, beginning at age 12, when she played three Masses each day. She also performed at her first wedding while still in seventh grade. Over the years, she played for several hundred weddings, helping couples and families celebrate life’s happiest moments. She also provided comfort at hundreds of funerals and played for thousands of Masses, for parishioners from Oswego to Honolulu.
In addition to her work in music, Sue was co-owner of Wayne Drugs with her husband, Bob. Together, they dedicated their lives to serving Oswego and the surrounding communities with kindness, compassion, and personal care.
Sue had an unmatched sweet tooth with an always filled candy dish and firmly believed dessert was best served before dinner. She loved Root Beer Floats, and after a trip to Ireland, discovered her love for an occasional pint or two of Smithwick’s. She was a devoted fan of The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. During those sacred hours, conversation was strongly discouraged. Anyone who forgot the rule (especially Bob), could expect a quick reminder, delivered with enough spirit to make even the loudest room fall silent.
Sue cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob; her children, Rob (Janet); David (Glenn); Jamie (Cassi); and Suzie (Steve) Shoults. She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren, Chloe, Grace, Sebastian, Abby, Courtney, Tyler, Matthew, Emilie, Jon Jon, and Topher; her sister, Dolores (Ed) Walrath; sisters-in-law Betty Anne Clary and Linda Belisle; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rose Chalone.
Sue will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to her family, her dedication to her students, and the music she shared so generously throughout her life. Her hands may now rest from tickling the ivories, but the songs she played and the lives she touched will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 2-6 pm at Nelson Funeral Home. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday the 21st at 10am at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and Shrine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Human Concerns Center of Oswego, the National Scleroderma foundation, or to your favorite church or charity in Suzanne’s honor.
Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.
