Susan Centola's Obituary
Susan (Sue) Marie Centola, age 75, died of Alzheimer’s Disease at Revere Memory Care at Cadence in Huntersville, North Carolina on January 12, 2024, in the presence of her husband, daughters, and the loving staff at Cadence. Sue was born December 28, 1948, to Joan Lochner Kramer and Robert Kramer in Rochester, NY, where she graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1966. She attended Nazareth College and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 1970. She also earned an Associate in accounting from Monroe Community College. On June 27, 1970, Sue married the boy across the street, Duane Thomas Centola who had the honor of loving her for 53 years. She had two daughters, Lisabeth Anne and Ellen Jeanne who were her best friends. Sue spent much of her professional career working to help the marginalized and impoverished. She worked to establish a food bank as part of Dimitri House. She ended her career at Monroe County Department of Social Services as a paralegal.
In the year 2000, Sue and Duane relocated to Huntersville, NC and became a part of the Plum Creek community. Upon the birth of her first granddaughter, Natalie Jeanne, Sue devoted her energy to caring for her granddaughter and supporting her daughters’ careers as teachers. This was by far the most important and impactful work of her life. In the following years, Sue welcomed four additional grandchildren, Riley Patrick, Nicholas Scott, Elizabeth (Liza) Rose, and Emily Elisabeth. She continued to care for each of her grandchildren until their graduation from Assurance United Methodist Church Preschool. Sue’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. They frequently spent time watching old television shows such as I Love Lucy and The Three Stooges, listening to the Beatles, and visiting the Carolina Raptor Center.
Until her health condition made it impossible, Sue spent her time gardening and even earned the coveted honor of Yard of the Month in the Plum Creek neighborhood. On her many strolls through the neighborhood, she stopped to give every dog she encountered a treat. She was a gifted seamstress who created prom dresses for her daughters, christening clothes for her grandchildren, and crafts, aprons, and blankets for all occasions.
Sue is survived by her husband, Duane; her daughter, Lisabeth McDonough and family, Scott McDonough, Natalie McDonough, Nicholas McDonough, and Emily McDonough; her daughter, Ellen Phelan and family, Riley Phelan, and Elizabeth Phelan; and her cat, Sheldon.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, 11:00 AM at James Funeral Home in Huntersville. A reception and time of visitation will immediately follow until 2 PM.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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