Susan Haigney, a longtime resident of Rye, N.Y., died November 2, 2023, after a decade-long battle with triple negative breast cancer. She was 66.

Born on December 3, 1956, the youngest of Millicent and Douglas Haigney’s five children, she lived most of her life on Dearborn Avenue. She attended Milton School and graduated from Rye High School, class of 1975.

“As the youngest of the family, Sue got away with most everything!” recalled her brother, William Haigney. “Like climbing the fully decorated Christmas tree for a better view or cooking chili dogs at two in the morning. Life with Sue was never dull or quiet.” He added, “She had an infectious laugh, a wonderful, wry sense of humor, and a knack for finding humor in the most unexpected places. Even in hospice, she kept everyone laughing until the end.”

An accomplished artist, she received a degree in Graphic Arts from the Pratt Institute and operated a successful graphic art business for over 30 years. 

Her life was defined by her art, the lively and unique gardens she created, and her deep affection for family, neighbors, and the landscape of Rye. Nothing made her happier than bird watching in the woods, walking the Oakland and Playland beaches, and spending time at home with those she loved.

After the death of her partner, Julio Velazquez, who was the love of her life, Ms. Haigney moved to Branford, Conn.

Her family said that she will be remembered as a person who was fully present for whomever she encountered and embraced every second with grace and courage.

In addition to her siblings, Peter and his wife Kathleen, Patricia Smith and her husband Spencer, and William and his wife Andrea, she is survived by five nieces and nephews: Brendan, Lauren, Alexander, James, and Katherine; and seven grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her brother Doug and his wife Jenny.

A wake for Sue Haigney and her brother Doug Haigney, who died in September, will be held at Graham Funeral Home on December 8 from 4 to 7. A funeral mass will follow on December 9 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection.

The family requests that donations in Sue Haigney’s memory be made to The Committee to Save the Bird Homestead, 600 Milton Road, Rye, NY 10580.