Susan Karen (Shavalier) Knobel

Susan Karen Shavalier Knobel, 75, of North Syracuse passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, May 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Susan was born August 20, 1947 and lived all her years in the same family-built home on Maxwell Avenue in the Village of North Syracuse. Susan was the youngest daughter of the late Doris (Molesky) and M Fred Shavalier, who are awaiting her reunion, along with Terry Knobel. Terry was her loving and devoted husband of 51 years. They were often referred to as the perfect couple and showed what the definition of true love was to all that knew them.
Susan was a graduate of North Syracuse High School and the School of Education at SUNY Oswego. It was there in Oswego, at Buckland's Grille, where Terry and Sue met and she wrote her phone number on his hand. As she always said, luckily he didn't wash it off, and the rest is history.

She worked for MONY until the birth of her children and then went back into the workforce when her children began school; working at PreSchool Play, Andrews Memorial Daycare with Karen Ferrante, RGIS, NY Relay with Daughter #3, and finally the Economic Assistance Department of Onondaga County Social Services with Daughter #1 until her retirement. After retirement, Sue enjoyed lots of quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Sue was an incredibly gifted seamstress and knitter. In the 1960s, she won the NYS Fair Arts & Home Knitting Competition. Throughout the years, she made dozens of mittens and hats as well as clothes for her girls and herself, and many prom dresses and ball gowns. Eventually Sue, with help from her other half Terry, began a craft show business, Bibs 'N Such, where she quilted and sewed beautiful baby quilts, potholders, trivets, and things where she could make what she thought was 'lovely', but also useful to those that used them. Far away craft shows, like Myrtle Beach and Cape Cod, also afforded her the opportunity to do the other things that she loved, like traveling and getting sand between her toes.
Susan was an absolutely amazing mother and mentor. She was Leader of Girl Scout Troop 584 for many years where she treated each girl like they were her own, as well as being Troop Administrator. She was always volunteered by her children. Whether is was to be Room Mom, assist on field trips, run the Smith Rd Elementay Bookstore, manage the Taft Rd Little League Snack Stand, or Soup Parent of the CNS Marching Band… she did each and every task without fail and a beautiful smile on her face.

Susan is survived by her daughters, Lizabeth, Brooke (Gregory Beechner) and Jessica; grandchildren, Joseph Kozubowski, Jay Gristwood, and Hailey Beechner; sister, Barbara Burleigh; brothers-in-law, Mark (Ann Zelinski) and Jon (Marcia) Knobel; several cousins, nieces, and a nephew; and her four-legged loves Thor, Jelly Bean, Lucy, and Guinness.

Susan's life can quite simply be described by her favorite Bible verse, found in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others."

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 31st from 4-7 pm at New Comer Cremations and Funerals where everyone can honor Susan together. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Association, SPCA, or any charity of choice in Susan's memory.

To share a memory of Susan or to leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.