Bouchey, Susan M.

TROY — Susan Marie Brunette Bouchey, age 68, of Historic Downtown Troy, NY, Saratoga Springs, NY and Jupiter, FL, passed away on May 16, 2024. Susan was a breast cancer survivor who valiantly fought and won that battle, only to face a long and challenging struggle with depression and an allergy to alcohol, a battle she ultimately could not win. She was born on October 25, 1955, in Tupper Lake, NY, and raised in Wynantskill. Susan is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Steven Bouchey.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Teresa Brunette; her infant sons, Sean and Eric Bouchey; and her grandparents, Anne and Roderick Mccauley, and Viola and Arthur Brunette.

Susan attended Gardner-dickinson School in Wynantskill, graduating as part of the inaugural class in 1969. She continued her education at Troy High School, graduating in the Class of 1973, where she was proud to be the Homecoming Queen Runner-up. Susan further pursued her passion by earning a degree from Hudson Valley Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program.

Throughout her esteemed career, Susan worked with legends in their field, including Dr. William Smith of Albany and Dr. James Comis of Troy. However, her true professional love was working decades with Dr. Marvin Kessler an Orthodontist. She took immense pride in the many beautiful smiles she helped create, and former patients often approached her to express their gratitude. Sue’s sharp eye and quick wit would have her instantly inspecting their smiles to see how they held up over the years and she would say “see I told you you’d have the best smile ever if you wore your night guard”.

In addition to her dental work, Susan enjoyed her time at the beloved Casey’s East Restaurant in Troy Plaza, where she served customers who became lifelong friends. The late-night Friendly’s crew, who lingered till last call, brought joy to Susan, and though they playfully referred to themselves as the “CCHS” girls, she loved them dearly and made sure they always received excellent service as though they graduated from Troy High.

Susan and Steven met at Casey’s, sharing the serendipitous fact that they had the same birthday. It took Steve six years to convince Susan to go on a date, a fact he would always remind her of with affectionate teasing, dubbing her a “cougar” long before it became fashionable. Their bond, which blossomed into a nearly 50-year friendship and a loving marriage, stands as a testament to their enduring connection. Susan ultimately ended her professional career working as Steve’s bookkeeper, a role in which she took great pride. Although there were multiple attempts to retire, both Susan and Steve weren’t ever quite sure if and when she truly did retire or did she quit? Either way she had more time to lower her handicap on the golf course.

Outside of her professional life, Susan’s passions included golf, tennis, and pickleball, playing at the Country Club of Troy, Tequesta Country Club, Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, and The Lake George Club. Susan took great pride in her long-standing role as Co-chair, alongside Erin