Obituary of Susan K. Bossard Atherton

CANISTEO: Susan K. Bossard Atherton (Sue), 76, of Canisteo, passed away Saturday evening, April 1, 2023 following a brief illness, surrounded by her family. Sue was born on February 6, 1947 in Gloversville, NY to the late James and Helen (Avery) Knipler. She earned her teaching degree from SUNY Oswego and began teaching in the Canisteo School district where she remained for over 30 years. Sue loved teaching and enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of her former students. A devoted member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, she led the Children’s Choir and taught Sunday School for many years. She later became a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Sue was a 4-H leader and gave her time to her daughters’ activities. She was also a member the Canisteo Christian Preschool board of directors. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, baking, dancing and travel. Her biggest joy was watching her grandchildren in their various activities and being a part of their everyday lives. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family. She is predeceased by her sister-in-law Kristin Knipler and her parents. Sue is survived by her loving husband, William Sheldon (Shelly) Atherton; three daughters: Kimberly (Matthew) Randall, Kate (Jason) Dininny, and Maggie (Jamie) Place; step children: Camille (Paul Broderick) Atherton, Kimberly (David) Kramer, William (Juan) Atherton and Jeff (Kelly) Atherton. She has 13 grandchildren: Nathan and Nicholas Randall; Kaleb, Koralee and Karoline Dininny; Joshua, Abigail and Luke Place; Joshua, Jordan and Kassidy Kramer; Jade and Kayla Atherton. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews that she considered to be like daughters and sons: Rebekah Sirianni, Robin (Eric) Robarge and Matthew (Jennifer) Rhodes and Joshua (Amanda) Rhodes and their children, Katherine, Kevin and Thomas Sirianni; Maeve, Vivien and Griffen Robarge; Tyler, Brynn, Ryder and Oliver Rhodes. Also surviving include brothers John and Paul (Jeanne) Knipler, and sisters, Sally Bigwood and Judy (Bob) Rhodes, niece, Molly Knipler, and nephews: Jim (Kristiania) Knipler, Langston Knipler and Justin Bigwood. Special family friends: Kimberly (David) Bossard and Margie Dininny. Per Sue’s request, there will be no calling hours, a funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm, at Christ Episcopal Church at 6 Center Street, Hornell, followed by burial at the Greenwood Cemetery, Route 248, Greenwood, NY. A celebration of life will take place at the Hornell Country Club at 473 Seneca Road in Hornell, NY. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to a Canisteo-Greenwood scholarship that is being set up in Sue’s memory. Please send any donations in care of Kate Dininny, 2948 County Route 109, Canisteo, NY 14823. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.