Susan Brownell

Born in Albany on July 23, 1941, Susan was the first daughter of Leonard D. and Margaret Kearns Brownell. She was a 1959 graduate of the former Perth Central School and graduated as Valedictorian. Susan earned a BS degree from Purdue University and a Master’s degree from Sage Graduate School. Susan was married to George H. Garlock III for 10 years and later divorced.

Susan was first employed by Montgomery County Cooperative Extension as a 4-H agent. After spending time at home raising her daughter and while working for the Fulmont Agency, she started the WIC (Women’s, Infants and Children) program in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, later expanding the program to Schoharie and Hamilton Counties. In 1987, she accepted a position with the NYSDOH, specializing in maternal and child health programs and retired in 2004.

Susan was a lifelong member of the Purdue Alumni Association, the New York State Bluebird Society and the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House in Rochester, NY. She served on the board of directors of Planned Parenthood of Northeastern New York and the Farmers Market Association of Fulton and Montgomery Counties and was on the executive committee of the Health Systems Agency. She was active in Democratic politics and served on the Fulton County Democratic Committee. Susan was a member of the local chapter of the DAR. She was a gourmet cook and enjoyed cooking and hosting elegant dinners for her family and friends. Susan maintained beautiful flower, herb and vegetable gardens at her home in Johnstown. Susan’s home was one of the oldest in Johnstown and was restored by Susan and her daughter, Jennifer, to its 18th-century period. Susan loved her dogs and was often affectionately known as “Goo Goo.”

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Linda Marsh, formerly of Sauquoit.

Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Garlock Keller and son-in-law, James Keller of Saranac Lake; and grandchildren, Nicholas Keller of Middle Grove, Cecilia Keller of Columbus, Ohio, Megan and Andrew Sanders of Merritt Island Florida, James and Jenny Keller Jr. of Middle Grove; and John and Meaghan Keller of Hagaman; as well as several cousins; and her Goddaughter, Linda Feldman of Delmar.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Elderwood, Lake Placid, High Peaks Hospice and the Renal Dialysis staff at the Adirondack Medical Center as well as the many private caregivers who cared for Susan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 26 Broadway, in Fonda. Final burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, in Fonda. In remembrance of Susan, those wishing may make contributions to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Ave, Hudson Falls, NY 12893. Arrangements are by Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc., in Johnstown.