Saratoga Springs, NY - Karen Sue O'Cain, "Suzie", one of the most well-known and unique personalities in the Thoroughbred Horse Racing industry in New York passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in Saratoga Springs following a battle with breast cancer.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin and raised in Mississippi , she was the daughter of the late Alden and Norma Burgdorff. Suzie attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford and later graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio State University. She met and married her husband, Dr. C. Lynwood 'Doc' O'Cain in Louisiana where she showed Quarter Horses.

She and Doc relocated to the Northeast in 1985 for his work. Their association with Carl Lizza's Highcliff Farm began in 1989 when Suzie managed the farm in Delanson for 23 years alongside her husband, Doc. D uring their time with Lizza, the couple made important contributions that were key to the success of the Flying Zee Stable racing and breeding programs. They maintained their involvement in the New York breeding and stallion programs following Lizza's passing in 2011 and managed and marketed stallions under the Saratoga Stallions banner.

Suzie served the racing industry in a variety of capacities, including as a member of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Board of Directors from 2003 until this past August. She was elected to the New York Thoroughbred Breeders board and served for 28 years. She dedicated her life to this organization serving as vice president, member of the executive committee and co-chairperson of the PAC. She founded " Find A Cure Stable " in 1993 and campaigned horses by donating a percentage of their earnings to the Breast Cancer Foundation. She also helped establish the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) fundraiser which raises over $1.2 million dollars. She was the host of a show called "Suzie's Corner" that aired on the New York City and Capital OTB networks. Suzie interviewed prominent women in the Thoroughbred Racing industry and was honored in 2003 at the Governor's mansion in Albany during a Women's History Month reception to recognize Pioneering Women of the Capital Region.

Suzie had a larger -than-life personality. She was vivacious, charismatic, and electrified all around her with her glowing smile, fabulous laugh, and radiant personality. No matter where Suzie was, she commanded the performance. She loved people and loved horses.

She is survived by her husband Dr. C. Lynwood "Doc" O'Cain; her son, Chris Nagelson; sister Betty Dowling and two grandsons Matthew and Andrew Nagelson.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:00am at the Bethesda Episcopal Church, 41 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. A Celebration of Suzie's Life will be held at the Saratoga Race Course and will be announced in August.

Donations can be made in Suzie's name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036 ( www.bcrf.org ).

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com