It is with heavy hearts that the family of Susan Ann Wilkes announce her passing on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the age of 70 after a brief illness.
Sue was born in Batavia on February 21, 1956 to David and Ethel Kreutter Wilkes. She was a graduate of Alexander Central School and Genesee Community College. Susan worked at SUNY Fredonia in the library for over 31 years. Starting as a Library Clerk I-II in 1980, she was promoted to the supervisory position of Library Clerk III in 1986. She retired in 2010. Post-retirement, Susan returned to work in the SUNY Fredonia's President's Office from 2016-2018. During her time at SUNY, Susan mentored more than 1,500 students who remember her as strict, but "in a good way," caring and always their champion. Colleagues remember her as a hard worker who excelled at her job and who went above and beyond with kindness. During her career, Susan was chosen by her peers to receive the Barbara Saletta Secretarial Award which is awarded to an administrative professional with an outstanding service attitude.
Susan will especially be remembered and missed for her selfless care of her family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, her signature sour cream sugar cookies, her flower gardens, and beautiful blue outdoor Christmas lights.
Susan is survived by the family she loved dearly: her twin sister, Mary Carr (John); sisters, Valerie Butts and Dawn Hoh (Robin); brothers, Jeffrey Wilkes, James Wilkes (Ali), Charlie Wilkes (Kerrie) and Fred Wilkes (Monique); 13 nieces and nephews; 18 great-nieces and great-nephews; uncle, Tom Elliott; aunts, Clara Elliott and Letha Kreutter; and many, many cousins. Susan was predeceased by her parents, David and Ethel Wilkes; brother-in-law, Randall Butts; and nephew, David Wilkes.
Sue's family wants to thank the staff of Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and the staff of Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care for their care.
Per Susan's request, there are no calling hours at this time, and services will be private.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Susan Wilkes Memorial Award, Fredonia College Foundation, 272 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY 14063. This award will be given to a graduating Reed Library student worker for exemplary service. You can also donate to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.
Arrangements are being handled by the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue in Fredonia.
