Susan Elizabeth Bird-Niestemski's Obituary
Susan Elizabeth Bird Niestemski, age 63, formerly of Saratoga Springs, NY passed away on January 24, 2018 following a brief illness at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
A 40-year resident of the town of Salina, NY, Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, John A. Niestemski, Chairman of the Salina Planning Board, Treasurer for the Onondaga County Republican Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Salina Republican Committee. Susan was also a member of the Salina Republican Committee serving as an election inspector for the past 15 years.
Susan was born on October 14, 1954 in Saratoga Springs, NY and was preceded in death by her father, William Bouton Bird II, and mother and best friend, Herle Wilhelmsen Briggs Bird Holmes. Susan graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1972. She was awarded her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University in 1980.
Following her entrepreneurial spirit and creative passion she opened her business, Graphic Masters Inc., in DeWitt, NY in 1982 and remained there until her retirement in 2008. Prior to this, she was employed at GE Genigraphics as a graphic artist, trainer and account executive.
Embracing her professional artistry with her natural born domestic skills passed down from her Danish heritage, she engineered a welcoming home life for her and her husband and their cats, consisting of fine gourmet cooking from recipes she researched and developed, handmade brilliantly crocheted masterpieces, to customized fine jewelry she designed all in her spare time.
Her glorious smile was her trademark. She could light up a room and leave everybody dazzled and energized with her light-hearted spirit. Susan’s love, mindful awareness, appreciation and zest for life will live on in every heart she touched especially by her Husband, John. She is survived by several brothers and sisters: Ann Bird of Saratoga Springs; Laura Jane Bird of Hawthorne NJ; William Bouton Bird III of Boston; Charles and Rosie Bird of San Diego and Doris and Romulo Palumbo of Santa Maria, Italy, step-brother Philip Holmes of Williamsport PA and step-sister Becky and Harry Southwell of Philadelphia.
She is also survived by her Connecticut in-laws, Helen Niestemski and Charlene and Francis L. Niestemski of Bridgeport/Fairfield. There are also many nieces and nephews as well as several grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins in addition to many close and dear friends. Susan also had family in Demark and Germany. She was predeceased by her sister Nancy Bird of East Orange NJ and a step-brother Ben Holmes of Vermont.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2018 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckley Road) North Syracuse, NY. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 10 A.M. at the Pitcher Hill Community Church, 605 Bailey Road, North Syracuse, NY, Pastor James E. Claggett officiating.
In lieu of flowers and according to Susan’s wishes donations can be made to her memory to either HumaneCNY, a no-kill animal shelter, (www.humanecny.org ) [add Susan’s name under “Write a note”] or St. Joseph’s Health Foundation (www.foundation.sjhsyr.org).
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