Suzanne "Sue" Margaret (Johnstone) Dehm

Suzanne "Sue" Dehm, age 94, of Pittsford passed away at home on July 4, 2023. Sue was born September 5, 1928 in Midland Michigan, the first of three children of Arthur and Winifred Johnstone. She attended Midland High School and Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She married Richard Dehm on August 23, 1952 and they enjoyed more than 70 years together, raising a family, traveling the world and positively impacting many lives along the way.

Sue's warm personality and caring nature drew people in wherever she went. Her love of good humor, her ever-ready, infectious laughter, her perpetually positive spirit, her enthusiasm for life, her grace, her elegance, her caring ways all remain in our hearts and will continue to guide and inspire us.  .  

She loved architecture, decorating, flower-arranging, gardening and photography. She was a skillful and warm hostess, who loved to entertain. Sue & Dick's homes in Fairport, Mendon and Rabbit Island were the setting of many memorable, large and small, beautifully arranged parties. Nothing gave her more joy than being involved in family activities and taking photos of all the fun. 

She was a long-time member of the Pittsford Garden Club and the PEO Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating educational opportunities for women. 

She was an active member of the Downtown United Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years, where she served on many committees and as deacon and elder. In the 1980's Sue was involved with the Sanctuary Movement, which offered safe haven for Central American refugees fleeing civil wars. She later became a 20-year member at Third Presbyterian Church, where she loved and supported music and children's programs.  

Sue is survived by her husband Richard; children and their spouses, Robb and Nancy Dehm, Curt and Christine Dehm, Ellen and Brad Rye and foreign exchange student daughter Barbro Garenfeld; grandchildren and their spouses, Adrienne and Alex Juergens, Erich and Sara Dehm, Troy and Mallory Holland Dehm, Bryce Dehm, Lauren Rye and Chris An, Andrew Rye, Olivia Rye; great grandchildren Camden and Luna Dehm, Connor and Evelyn Juergens; niece Heather Brubaker and nephews John Moose and Jordan Johnstone. 

A celebration of Sue's life will be held at Third Presbyterian Church, located at 4 Meigs St., Rochester, NY on Monday, July 10th at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of calling hours, friends are invited to a reception in the church following the service. 

Donations in her memory are appreciated for Third Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 4 Meigs St., Rochester, NY 14607.

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