Susan F. Zorn, 77, of Buffalo, NY, passed away on December 17th from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Susan was born in Queens, NY, to Fredrick and Florence Hack and later moved to Long Island, where she spent her youth winning equestrian championships on her dapple gray horse, working at the barn, crabbing at Robert Moses State Park, and surfing off Jones Beach. Susan and her best friend once snuck out of school and joined the massive crowd of girls who greeted the Beatles when the famous British band made their first appearance in the United States, landing at JFK Airport. Susan attended the University of Georgia, where she entered a pre-veterinary program and met her future husband, William Zom, in one of their animal husbandry classes. After graduating in 1970, Susan and Bill moved back to Bill's hometown of Rochester, marrying the same year. They later returned to Long Island and then briefly lived in Albany, NY, where Susan earned her degree in Respiratory Therapy from Hudson Valley Community College. Susan and Bill eventually moved to Buffalo, which became their longtime home. Susan earned her master's degree in Health Sciences Education and Evaluation from the University at Buffalo and began her doctorate in the same field. In 1979, she accepted a teaching position at Erie Community College, where she taught respiratory care and later became Director of Clinical Instruction.

In their spare time, Susan and Bill earned their pilot's licenses and flew out of Prior Aviation. Susan loved telling flying stories, and her students often joked that she would gaze out the window during class, watching planes, guessing where they were heading. Susan cherished her home at the Chautauqua Institution, where she loved hosting Thanksgiving, cooking and baking for her family. She served for many years on the Board of Bird, Tree & Garden Club, with her favorite event being the Children's Flower Arrangement. She also served on the Board of the Friends of the Library, acting as President for nearly ten years.

Susan loved horses, retelling her aviation tales, dogs of any kind (the smaller, the better), rock music, makeup, anything related to the British Royal Family, and—most of all—her family. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Fredrick Hack; her brother, Allan Hack; and her nieces, Madison Barthelmes and Theresa Dominski. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Natalie; her brothers- and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Joseph University Parish (3269 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sloan Comfort Care Home. The dedicated care providers there made Susan's final months comfortable and showed her and her family extraordinary kindness. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ROTHFUNERAL.com