Susan Kay Whalen

Susan Kay Whalen, a cherished resident of Clay, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on November 2, 1948, in Baldwinsville, New York, Susan was the beloved daughter of George and Mary Jane Dickinson.

Throughout her life, Susan loved her work as a Pharmacy Technician at Health Direct Beyond her professional commitments, she was known for her warm heart and joyful spirit, especially in her role as a loving mother and grandmother. Susan took great pleasure in spoiling her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. She delighted in family outings, often taking the grandchildren to the beach, the zoo, and picnics by Onondaga Lake. Family gatherings were a highlight of her year, with Christmas Eve celebrations being particularly special to her.

Susan’s life was marked by deep family bonds. She was preceded in death by her dear mother, Mary Jane Dickinson; her father, George Dickinson; her four brothers, William, Robert, David, and Gerald Dickinson; and her granddaughter, Marie Gallardo.

She leaves behind her devoted spouse of 48 years, Clark Whalen III, who shared a life full of love and companionship with her. Susan is survived by her four daughters: Teresa Brown (Ray), Patricia Gallardo, Michelle Whalen (Rondell), and Melinda Whalen (Christian). Her two sons, Thomas Gallardo and Clark Whalen IV (Heather), also carry forward her loving legacy. Susan's surviving siblings include her brother Steven Dickinson and her sisters Marilyn Gardner and Janet Arnold.

Susan was a proud grandmother to sixteen beloved grandchildren: Michael, Ashley, Taylor, Lee, Dylan, Jaime, Clark V, Carter, Bobby, Macenzie, Brendan, Bryan, Jonathan, Anthony, and Jazmin. Her family further grew with six cherished great-grandchildren: Donovan, Maxwell, Natalia, Avery, Jaelyn Kae, and Kai. She is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.

The family invites friends and loved ones to honor Susan’s memory and pay their respects on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals located at 707 N. Main St., North Syracuse, NY. The interment will take place at a later date at West Genoa Cemetery in King Ferry, NY.

Susan Kay Whalen's warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her life was a testament to love and devotion, qualities that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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