Susanne Frenette

Susanne Hull Frenette, 81, died at her home on the Raquette River in Tupper Lake on December 9, 2011 following a long illness with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, James C. Frenette. Together they created a cherished family of nine children, 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandson; James Jr. (Hope) of Tupper Lake, Martha Heidinger (John) of Buffalo; Robert (Anne Fleck) of Tupper Lake; Michael of Tupper Lake; Liza of Albany; Peter (Jennie) of Saranac Lake; Sarah Bencze (Doug) of Tupper Lake; Margaret O’Leary (Paul) of Tupper Lake; and Eddie (Afton Nadeau) of Tupper Lake. Her grandchildren are Jamie Frenette; Michael and Sara Heidinger and Susanne Heidinger McClain (son Ethan McClain); Jasmine Frenette Tice; Gracey, Peter and Annie Frenette; Willie and Charlie Bencze; Bridget and Gretchen O’Leary; and Gabrielle and Lucy Frenette.

Susanne was born Nov. 4, 1930 in Mineola, NY to William and Margaret Hull. Her family relocated to Tupper Lake following the Great Depression; her grandfather owned the Oval Wood Dish company here. She is survived by one sister, Maureen Root, and predeceased by her sister Margaret Gillis and beloved brother Lyndon Hull.

A creative women, Susanne was known for her works of art in colorful, original quilts and wall hangings she made, and samplers she embroidered. She was a longtime member of the Raquette River Quilters. She was a talented seamstress and knitter, outfitting her family with beautiful clothing.

She loved nature and embraced her environment, enjoying the otters, deer, herons and eagles on the river. She and her husband took their children on many camping and skiing trips over the years, and later enjoyed their canoe and pontoon boat trips throughout the Adirondacks. They loved to go ice skating in Ottawa, each winter. She loved to walk daily, and for years enjoyed cross-country skiing. Susanne cherished her household pets over the years.

She was devout in her incredible spiritual faith and generous with her prayers. She will continue to inspire and love, guide, and watch over the welfare of those she cherished in life.

Susanne loved Irish music and twice visited Ireland, and once, Scotland. She was an avid reader and shared her love of literature with many.

In the past she was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America and chair of the Bill Koch Cross-Country ski team for young skiers in District 6. She was a volunteer for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. At one time she wrote a column for the Tupper Lake Free Press.

Susanne was salutatorian of her 1948 graduating class from Tupper Lake High School and attended St. Lawrence University. She was a communicant of Holy Name Church.

Calling hours will be held at the Stuart- Fortune- Keough Funeral Home on Monday December 12th from 4pm-7pm. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Name Church Tuesday December 13th at 11 am followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus hall. Interment will be at the Lake View cemetery.

Donations may be made in Susanne’s name to the Wildlife Conservation Society, 138 River Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983; or The Wild Center Museum, 45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.