Please make donations in Sue’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org

Sue Ann Gardner Shreve, of Bay Shore, NY passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024. Born on January 26, 1932 to the late Homer Frank Gardner and Grace Kohlhagen Garden in Brooklyn, NY. Sue was predeceased by her loving husband of 69 years, Eugene Sheldon Shreve. She is survived by her loving daughters Pamela Ann Shreve and Cynthia Shreve, Richard, her husband, David Grant Richard, two granddaughters, Vrynn Pryde and Rachael Grace Richard, as well as many other loved ones. Sue graduated from Sewanhake High School in Floral Park, and then attended Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1955, Sue graduated with her Business Management and Marketing degree from Hofstra University as one of the only women in her graduating class. Sue had a myriad of careers and employment, beginning as a New York Telephone Company representative in Bay Shore, NY. Sue worked as an engineer for Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, NY, and was a substitute teacher for several years in the East Islip Union Free School District in New York. Sue worked diligently for over ten years at Patchogue Surgical and Athletic Supplies as the organization’s manager and in 1981 she retired from professional work to pursue personal lifeworks such as genealogy, traveling, and gardening. While she may not have been formally working, anyone who knew Sue knew she lived to work for her many passions and her dedication was paramount to who she was.

After her retirement, Sue wrote over 20 genealogy books with her most recent contributions including; "The Becker Family Genealogy: Germany to St. Clair County, Illinois, and Madison County, Illinois, in 1846" (2005), "The Ridgeway Family Genealogy" (2003), and "The Mendenhall Family Genealogy"(2003). She has also been a compiler and editor of the Gardner/Gardiner Researchers newsletter since 1993, had served as a guest writer for the National Genealogical Society newsletter numerous times between 1996 and 2004, and has conducted genealogy workshops since 1996 and a lecturer in genealogy since 1997. One of Sue’s most notorious contributions was when her family genealogy wall was featured in The National Genealogical Society News Magazine. Known around the Bay Shore community for her tireless involvement, Sue was an active member of a variety of organizations including Sagtikos Manor Historical Society, the Bay Shore Beautification Society, the Bay Shore Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore, Federated Garden Clubs of NY State, and past president of the Islip Branch of the AAUW–just to name a few. She was a lifetime member and former president of the New York State Parent Teachers Association, past regent and recording secretary for the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, former president of the Bay Shore Garden Club, a member of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America and The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century. It is clear Sue never stopped working for the things she loved.

Sue’s many achievements include Outstanding Young Women of America in 1967, honored with an Official Proclamation from the Village of Frankfort, IL, in 1996 for her accomplishments in developing Kohlhagen Park in Frankfurt, IL. In both 1997 and 2003, she was named Woman of the Year by the Bay Shore Garden Club. Sue continued her achievements in 2005 with the Medal of Appreciation by the Sons of the American Revolution in 2005. Four years later, Sue received a Conservation Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution demonstrating her overwhelming love and dedication to history and genealogy. In addition to her awards and honors, she has been cited in over 25 editions of Who's Who for her contributions, including Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Who's Who of American Women, and has received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. We remember Sue for her devotion to raising her family and her accolades and accomplishments in her professional and personal career. Her contributions to the genealogical community will not be forgotten and her daughters and granddaughters survive her love of gardening, travel, and service to her community. Her family, friends, and everyone who knew her will deeply miss her. A memorial service to honor Sue's life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home at 1225 Montauk Highway, West Islip, NY 11795.