Susan J. (Lyga) Kemper passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2021, in Vero Beach, FL, following a heroic battle with cancer. Susan was born in Syracuse in 1952, and lived most of her life in Cazenovia, where she graduated high school and attended Cazenovia College.
Susan had a love for all animals. She and her horse, Petite, were a bonded pair and fierce competitors. She was well respected in the Quarter Horse Circuit, won multiple championships, and was featured on the cover of NYS Horse Association’s magazine. In 1966, she was awarded the Reserve Championship at the New York State Breeders Horse Show held at the Coliseum in Syracuse. This was a competition in the trail class, with many professional entries from all sections of the U.S. east of the Mississippi.
Susan was happiest when she had a dog in her home and cared for them like members of her family. It was evident that the love was reciprocated, as Tucker would literally jump out of windows just to be with her and Molly provided loyal companionship during Susan’s final months.
Susan’s beauty followed her wherever she went; she had a distinctive laugh and her infectious smile could light up a room. She was endearing in nature and her hospitality was consistently above par as she enjoyed cooking and caring for her loved ones.
She found pleasure in gardening and canning; her tomato sauce and pickles were staples at family functions. She always made the holidays extra special, whether it was with thoughtful gifts, exemplary decorations, baked treats, handmade costumes, or phone calls to her nieces and nephews from a “cackling witch,” she never failed to impress.
Susan’s children were her life; she was a fearless matriarch. She spent countless hours cheering them on at hockey games and tournaments. Her door was always open to her children’s friends, who often referred to her as “mom.” She always took the time to listen when anyone needed to talk. She demonstrated the utmost patience with her grandchildren as they talked to her about their days and took her for long “tours” around their house. They loved spending time with their Nana, specifically because she was gentle and kind and she always said, “Yes” when asked if they could have ice cream for dinner.
Susan is survived by her four children, Brett Armstrong (Kristen), Chad Armstrong (Krysten Balfe), Jamie Armstrong, and Ross Armstrong (Susie); three grandchildren; Blake, Jason and Gabrielle; her step-children, Mary Beth Kemper, Steven Kemper, Joseph Kemper and Emmett Sullivan Kemper; her brother David Lyga (Denise), sisters Meg Clark, and Sandy Penoyer (Carl), as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Her mother and father, Betty and Donald Lyga, and her beloved husband Phillip Kemper predeceased her. Susan and Phil both enjoyed the final years of their life together in Vero Beach, FL, and Wellesley Island, N.Y. They enjoyed golfing, boating, and spending time with friends and family.
There will be a memorial service at a later date with arrangements to be announced. A private family burial will be held in Wellesley Island Cemetery, N.Y. Memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities of Onondaga. 1654 W. Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 or to Moffitt Cancer Center. 12902 USF Magnolia Dr., Tampa, FL. 33612 or give.moffitt.org\memorial.
Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.
A guestbook is available at strunkfuneralhome.com.
