In Memoriam

Sue Ann Jenkins
1953-2025

PHOENIX MILLS—Sue Ann Jenkins, a lifelong resident of Phoenix Mills, entered into eternal rest at her beloved family home, Elmhurst. She was 72.

Born May 22, 1953 in Cooperstown, Sue Ann was the daughter of Ruby (Robinson) Jenkins and Arthur Jenkins Jr. She grew up in her mother’s family home, Elmhurst, located alongside the Susquehanna River, with her parents, pets and extended family members. She enjoyed playing in the river and walks with her best friend and neighbor, Mr. Black, along the railroad tracks as he taught her about the native plants and animals and, importantly, that no one ever really owns nature. She also enjoyed visiting with her father’s family in the Catskills: her dad’s family farm in Lexington on the Schoharie Creek and her great-aunt’s guest house and cabins on the Esopus Creek near Phoenicia, where she met people from many countries who vacationed there.

Sue Ann graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1971 and went on to complete the Freshman Foundation Year at Pratt Institute’s College of Art and Design in Brooklyn. While there she also met and campaigned for Shirley Chisholm, who was running for the Democratic Primary for president in 1972.

She then returned home to help her parents care for relatives, and to create a quilt design business eventually known as Threadbinder. Her designs were featured in many national magazines and several quilt and fine craft books. Her work was also sold through the Smithsonian Museum Shop. As well as maintaining her business, she worked for several years at the Cooperstown Art Association, weekends at the Upstate Home (now Springbrook), at their house in Worcester, the Red Cross, and for art conservators Sheldon and Caroline Keck, helping to assemble their 40 years of records and transferring them to computer discs via Mrs. Keck’s ancient computer, “Scheherazade.”

In the mid-nineties, Sue Ann completed her degree through Empire State College, earning a bachelor of science degree with a double major in art and human services. She then worked for the “Old Meadows” Nursing Home, first in the Supervising Nurse’s Office and later as an activity aide in the dementia wing. She also helped Dolores Coleman at Coleman’s Answering Service in Cooperstown.

She loved good friends, old movies, music, trips with her mother and with friends, and Bernie Sanders.

Sue Ann survived two bouts with cancer in 2011 and 2013 with the help of Dr. Pat Gambitta, Dr. Renee Wellenstein and Dr. Joy Anderson, and especially her “lil sis” Diana Nicols, who stood by her from the moment of diagnosis, through surgery and treatments. Also, neighbor Heidi Parkhurst helped with those many trips to Syracuse. Pastor Maryellen Moore provided much appreciated spiritual strength through the years. With the “extra life” she was given, Sue Ann devoted herself to help countless others online, on the phone and in Zoom meetings who shared with her the daily challenges of Complex PTSD, bullying, and grief.

Sue Ann is survived by many friends and relatives, including cousins Ruth Cross of Windham, Lois Banks of Lexington, Janice Mabin of Ashland, the Rev. David Robinson of Dryden, and Lou Wimbish Mierzwa of Texas; second cousins include Tim Cross, Regina Cross (Dr. Joe Calabro), Sylvia Banks, Maureen Farrell, Bonnie (Paul) Varney, and Connie Jo Robinson.

She was predeceased by her parents, her “sweetie” Franklyn Pierce Smith and many beloved pets and friends.

Although it was Sue Ann’s request that there be no services, family and friends are invited to gather at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, 140 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, where she will be laid to rest with her parents.

Memorial donations in Sue Ann’s memory may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, PO Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.