Susan Elizabeth Darling Bollen

Susan Bollen, 71, formerly of Delmar, died on February 11 at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a long illness. Susan was the daughter of the late Edwin B. (Ned) and Mary E. Bell Darling.

Following graduation from Bethlehem Central High School, Susan studied in Colorado and Chicago. She subsequently earned a degree in art education from the College of St. Rose in Albany. Susan was a popular and inspiring art teacher of grades K-12 at the Albany Academy for Girls in the late 1970s and 1980s. 

An accomplished artist, Susan exhibited her work throughout the region, including at the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council Annual Juried Show and the Mohawk-Hudson Regional Invitational exhibition. She was a member of the invitation-only Oakroom Artists of Schenectady. She worked primarily in watercolor and at times pastel, frequently winning awards for her work. Among artists whose work she particularly liked were Milton Avery and Wolf Kahn.

Tragically, Susan’s career as an artist was cut short by illness when she was in her early 40s. To borrow a phrase from one of her favorite musicals, Evita (lyrics by Tim Rice), "I could burn with the splendor of the brightest fire or else I could choose time." Susan burned with the splendor of the brightest fire until illness overtook her. For all her talent, glamor, and vitality, she was equally down to earth and relatable. She met the limitations imposed by illness with grace. Her charm, intelligence, sensitivity, and incisive wit endured.

Her friends wish to thank staff of Shaker Place, Wright Unit, for their excellent care and kindness. Susan was predeceased by her parents, her wonderful friend and advocate, Tom Hemming, and her beloved dogs. She is survived by the body of her beautiful artwork and her close friends, who will miss her dearly. 

A celebration of Susan's life will be held in the spring. Friends and former students and colleagues are invited to attend and share their memories of Susan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI, 150 Broadway, Suite 406, Menands, NY, 12204 (naminys.org), or Albany Center Gallery’s Youth Art Program LOOK! at 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany, NY 12207 (albanycentergallery.org). If you would like to receive information about the celebration of life or to share any memories or photos you have of Susan, please email celebratesdb@yahoo.com.