Online Obituaries

BELCHERTOWN           It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Susan Claire Rudy announces her passing on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Sue had been courageously battling ovarian cancer since being diagnosed in 2021. She was born on June 2, 1954, in Ludlow, Massachusetts to the late Alva “Oakie” and Claire (White) Rieff of Belchertown. Sue graduated from Belchertown Public Schools in 1972, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 1976 with a degree in elementary education and later from Westfield State University with degree in special education. She had a successful career as a dedicated educator for 32 years. Sue retired in 2017 from Pathfinder Tech in Palmer, MA after 22 years.

Sue had a zest for life. She started horseback riding at an early age and will be remembered as a skilled equestrian winning numerous championships. She was a member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA).  Sue and Dan’s horse was the only one from the Northeast to qualify in the top 15 horses in the country and got to appear at the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas in 2009.  Sue was an animal lover, especially dogs, donkeys and horses. She relished the peaceful serenity of spending time outdoors. Sue had a green thumb and took great pride in her yard, especially the flower gardens and koi ponds. She enjoyed the tranquility of her home, watching the birds at the feeders and wildlife that wandered by her property. Sue was a die-hard UCONN women’s basketball fan. She liked traveling with trips to numerous states, national parks, Canada, and walking on the sandy beaches in Aruba.  Sue indulged herself with retail therapy.

Sue is survived by her caring and loving husband of 46 years Daniel F. Rudy to cherish the memories that they made together. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1980. Over her life, Sue had many fur babies. Her ever-loyal Gretchen was her longtime companion. She leaves behind her cousin and travel partner Leeann Butler Warren and her husband Keith, family friends Laura Blaze and Matt Stone and special friends Lisa and Kurt.  She also leaves several cousins in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Besides her loving parents, Sue was predeceased by her brother David on August 27,1982.

Throughout her battle with cancer, Sue remained optimistic. She stayed hopeful and positive, being able to appreciate and enjoy each day to its fullest on her end of life journey.

Sue’s family and friends would like to thank her oncology teams for the compassion and exceptional care she received: Dr. Scott Barnett, Dr. Tashanna Myers and her team at Baystate Medical Center. Sue was accepted into a clinical trial in January 2025 with Dr. Alessandro Santin and his research team along with Dr. Billingsley and his team at the Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center and Yale Medicine.

Donations in Sue’s memory can be made to: D’Amour Center for Cancer Care, 3050 Main St., Springfield, MA 01107.

At Sue’s request, there will be no services. Later, she will be laid to rest in South Cemetery in Belchertown alongside her husband, parents and brother.