Susan Marie Knarich
Susan Marie Mago Knarich, aged 78 passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023, at her home in Charlottesville, VA. Susan was born in North Tonawanda, NY to Blake and Dorothy (Kohles) Mago. Susan spent most of her early life in North Tonawanda before moving to New City, NY where she graduated from Clarkstown High School in 1963. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas College, Sparkill, NY she went on to earn her master's degree in Education from the State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam, Potsdam, NY.
Susan married Gilbert Knarich in 1969. Susan dedicated her life to her family and left being a teacher at West Nyack Elementary School, West Nyack, NY upon the birth of their first child. The family settled in Nanuet, NY where Susan was very actively involved in St. Anthony’s Parish where she was a Eucharistic Minister, substitute teacher and volunteer for Girls Scout and Boy Scout troops associated with the Parish.
Susan’s passion and first priority was always her family. Susan also was an avid crafter finding enjoyment in knitting, crocheting, sewing, and quilting. She also spent time working on puzzles, enjoyed trivia, and was an avid reader. She enjoyed traveling having visited most of our 50 states and toured many countries in Europe. A sports fan, Susan took much interest in Major League Baseball, University of Virginia Women’s soccer, and her Virginia Men’s Basketball team, where she was a season ticket holder. Attending college’s Final Four Basketball Tournament in 2019 to cheer her Virginia Cavaliers to victory was a truly memorable event.
Susan also lived in Pearl River, NY; Greensboro, NC; Falls Church (City), VA, and Avondale, PA.
Susan is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years Gilbert, daughter Jennifer (Knarich) Bottega (husband John), son Joseph (wife Julie) and her grandson Ryan. Susan is also survived by her brothers Blake (Margie), Frank, Peter (Walea), and Lawerence (Christine) Mago. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents Blake and Dorothy (Kohles) Mago and her in-laws Franklin and Frances (Curry) Knarich.
A funeral mass will be offered for Susan at Thomas Aquinas University Parish at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donation be made in Susan’s name to the Jimmy V Foundation; https://www.v.org
