Susan J. Fraley

Susan J. Fraley, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at her home. Susan was born in Schenectady to the late Robert and Helen Johnstone. Susan was a skilled nursing clinician and a highly distinguished nursing leader who dedicated her career to improving the health care delivery system and patient care, advancing the nursing profession and enhancing its capacity to serve society, most recently serving with the Foundation of New York State Nurses as Executive Director. She also served as President of the NYS Nurses Association, Co-President of the Northeastern Organization of Nurses Executives, a member of the Board of Directors of the Capital District Nurses Association, a member of the Russell Sage Colleges of Nursing Advisory Council, and numerous other nursing and community organizations. She is the recipient of the Northeastern New York Organization of Nurse Executives Excellence in Programming Award, the New York State Nurses Association Nursing Service Administration and Legislative Awards and the Capital District Nurses Association Distinguished Member Award. In addition to her parents, Susan was predeceased by her husband, William F. Fraley, Jr.
Susan is survived by her stepchildren; Linda (Tim) Dowen, William Fraley III, Charles (Susan) Fraley, Susan (Mark) Scaringe and Gloria (Craig) Herrmann. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who loved and cared for her, her life long friend, Carol Grobe and family and longtime friend and co-caretaker of her beloved animals, Eva Rodriguez.
Susan was also well known for her passion for all living things. As a long standing member of the African Violet Society, she loved growing things and teaching others about caring for them. Her love for not only her own animals, but for all animals was always a defining characteristic of who she was.
Funeral services will be Thursday at 9:30 am at New Comer Cannon funeral home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Memory Gardens, Colonie. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to, the Foundation of NYS Nurses at Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing, 2113 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY 12084 in Susan's memory.