Susan Elizabeth Kotlarz was called unexpectedly to her heavenly home on May 25, 2023, peacefully at home. She leaves behind many friends, family, students and professionals with whom she worked, to mourn her passing.

Proud of her Polish heritage, Susan graduated from Holy Trinity Parochial School and Madonna High School. She was a high school tennis champion, an ace at basketball and excelled at academics. Susan proceeded to earn a Bachelor's in Math at Canisius College in Buffalo where she was also a dorm resident advisor and hosted a popular college radio show. She went on to earn a Master's in Counseling at Gannon University in Erie, PA.

Sue, as many called her, contributed greatly to the development of thousands of youth in the City of Niagara Falls, starting with her professional career teaching math at North Junior High School. She next began a lengthy career as Director of the City of Niagara Falls Youth Bureau where she initiated groundbreaking new programs and services, including Night Gyms. She managed city swimming pools, recreation programs and a full and part time staff. Susan also oversaw the data compilation of city youth statistics and managed the regrant program of funds from the state and county to city youth agencies.

All the while, Susan undertook a part-time, 40 year career teaching math at Niagara County Community College where she positively influenced hundreds of students, always finding new ways to help students learn best. Students loved "Miss K" and new students sought her out for their math courses. Susan was just recently surprised with a large 40th anniversary celebratory gathering of NCCC students and staff.

Susan loved her family, caring for her late parents, Walter and Lottie as they aged. She was also dedicated to her beloved nephew, Matt; a lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii. Susan was devoted to her sister, Joanne, and to her many friends. She was care coordinator for family pets whose antics she would reenact to our howls of hilarity. She was also the consummate storyteller with her friends all in stitches and tears of laughter.

Susan had a zest for life; traveling with friends to various island destinations, New York City and Florida. She would spend a couple of weeks during the summers with friends at Chautauqua Lake enjoying her retirement. Susan celebrated her 50th birthday at Disney World. She enjoyed going to Shea's and Ghostlight Theatre for musicals and plays; holiday concerts at Kleinhans; Buffalo's Polish church tours; Broadway Market at Easter and many other activities including cooking with Pops (her father) and home fix-its. She was an avid reader and with her keen mind loved discussing books as well as the latest Rachel Maddow show. She was a devout Catholic and had great faith that sustained her throughout her life. Susan always stepped up to help those in need and was a generous soul.

Susan is survived by her sister, nephew and relatives in Detroit, Michigan.

Friends may call on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the LABUDA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 356 Portage Road from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at which time a prayer service will begin. Private entombment will be in Riverdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Susan are asked to donate to Niagara County Community College or a charity of one's choice.