Obituary of Susan N. Berzinis

Susan Nelson Berzinis, age 62, of Delmar, NY passed away at home on Wednesday, March 30th after an 18-month battle with cancer. After the initial diagnosis in the summer of 2014, Sue planted a collection of daffodils to greet her last spring when her initial treatments had been completed. After learning last fall that cancer had returned and was spreading aggressively Sue’s goal became seeing them bloom again, which they did on the day she passed. Born on December 14, 1953 Susan was the daughter of Carroll and the late Marjorie (Okerfelt) Nelson and was raised in Manchester, CT. Susan is survived by her husband Albin Berzinis of Delmar, NY; parents Carroll and Marilyn Nelson of Cromwell, CT; sister Linda Hassett (Kurt) of Manchester, CT; and brother Chris Nelson (Mary-Ellen) of Farmington, CT. She was predeceased by her mother Marjorie Nelson and survived by her mother’s twin sister Jean Hultgren. She also leaves behind her special friend Patty Burch, and many nieces and nephews. Sue was very active in 4-H while growing up and won numerous state awards for her skills in sewing and baking. Her interests in foods led to completion of a Bachelor’s of Science in Foods & Nutrition at the University of Connecticut. While at UConn she met Al, the love of her life, to whom she was married for 40 years. Sue moved to San Diego in 1975 so Al could attend graduate school and found that she was competing with retired Navy mess cooks for her first professional position in the food industry. When in desperation she agreed to accept a position as night manager in a Burger King, the hiring manager told her “the last woman we hired didn’t last two weeks”. Sue responded by rising rapidly to district manager and regional training supervisor and had a successful 16-year corporate career while living in New Jersey and Massachusetts. Corporate downsizing in the early ‘90’s presented an opportunity for Sue to realize her dream of turning her passion and gift for baking into her own business by becoming the proprietor of Suchèle Bakers in Lenox, MA. She was proud of being able to teach almost anyone how to make perfect pies and pastries while working in open display before the customers who lined up to purchase her special treats for Tanglewood and summer parties in the Berkshires. Wedding cakes were one of her specialties, and after selling her business she continued to create wedding cakes for family & friends. She loved to entertain and was famous for her holiday parties and Valentine’s Day chocolate dessert parties. Sue believed in making physical activity a vital part of a good life. She was a passionate tandem bicyclist for 27 years, serving as past treasurer of the Tandem Club of America. Together with Al she looked forward to annual cycling vacations around the US and in Europe, especially in the mountains. After retiring from cycling, Sue enjoyed hiking and kayaking in the Adirondacks and traveling with Al on business trips in Europe. Prior to her death Sue was certified as a health and wellness coach, and was about to launch a new business venture in that field to share the knowledge she had gathered over her lifetime. Sue was also active in faith-based communities throughout her life. She was a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, NY, serving as treasurer and a behind-the-scenes organizing force in the congregation. A memorial service for Sue will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 2PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY. After cremation her ashes will be scattered by Al this summer at their favorite place. Donations in Sue’s memory may be made to the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany.