Born the youngest of four, Suzy was raised in Upper Darby and attended Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. She graduated from West Chester University and studied abroad at the University of Valladolid in Spain. She later went on to earn her Masters Degree in Language Studies from NYU’s Graduate School at the University of Madrid, Spain in 1975. Suzy also was selected through Rotary International for a year abroad in France where she later earned a Masters of French Education at the Université de Tours in 1976.
Suzy’s career as a gifted educator spanned over 40 years. She taught students Spanish and French for Stroudsburg Area School District, many of whom she instilled such an inspiration in to travel and see the world and even become Spanish and French teachers themselves.
Suzanne was a treasured member of the Pocono community. She was a real estate agent at Century 21 for many years, serving her longtime neighbors and newcomers alike. Suzy was also an active and contributing member of the Rotary of the Pocono Mountains, holding many positions throughout her tenure, including officer.
Suzanne fought a courageous battle with cancer for over 35 years. She was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1989 and over the next three decades she would overcome all odds and successfully beat recurrence after recurrence. Despite having a full hysterectomy in 1989, the ovarian cancer cells continued to metastasize to her colon, liver, and lungs. No matter how many surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, or cyberknife she underwent, Suzy's smile and spirit never once dimmed. Instead, it only grew brighter. She was indeed, in her own words, 'one for the record books'.
Suzy was a world traveler extraordinaire: from France and Spain to Costa Rica, Mexico, Jamaica and everywhere in between, she reveled in her travels with loving companions and always had the best stories to share. No matter how far she traveled, she always made her way back home to her beloved Poconos. Whether it was a themed summer pool party at Green Gables, a lavish holiday soiree at her Buck Hill townhouse, or an intimate dinner gathering at her Cresco cottage, happy, loving memories were had by all. Dressed to the nines with sparkle, glitter, and pizazz, she always made an entrance and her presence was cherished endlessly.
Suzy's zest for life was electrifying. To know Suzy was to love her. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds and her love was unconditional. She was an incredible woman, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and teacher. No matter what circle of life of hers you were in, you knew how much you meant to her. Her beauty, vibrancy, and love will be remembered in this life and the next.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. at St. Cecilia Church, 535 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Her graveside service will follow at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono - Suzanne Zale Buck Fund for Gynecological Cancers through the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, 206 E. Brown Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 https://www.lvhn.org/give/support-lehigh-valley-health-network-pocono-foundation.