IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Susan A.
Gratton
January 21, 1950 – January 16, 2026
Saratoga Springs, NY- Susan A. (Mackey) Gratton passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Born in Albany, New York on January 21, 1950, Susan was the daughter of Dale and Eleanor Mackey of East Greenbush. She graduated from Columbia High School in June 1967—the very same month she met the love of her life, Robert. They were engaged by July and married on November 25, 1967. Together they built a wonderful life in Saratoga Springs, New York, where they raised their two daughters, Cheryl and Debbie.
In 1979, at just 29 years old, Susan underwent open-heart surgery to repair a mitral valve damaged by rheumatic fever she suffered as a child. Seven years later, when that repair was no longer sufficient, she courageously underwent another surgery to receive a mechanical valve—chosen because of her young age and the many years it was expected to give her. That valve carried her for nearly forty years, and her family often said that every day since then was a gift. Her strength, resilience, and quiet determination became a defining part of who she was, inspiring all who loved her.
Despite this lifelong cardiac journey, Susan remained an extraordinary mother—devoted, steady, resilient, and endlessly supportive. In addition to caring for her children, she supported her husband in all of their business endeavors while keeping their home warm, welcoming, and full of love. When her daughters were older, she entered the workforce and spent many years at Wesley Healthcare as an office assistant. She also enjoyed hosting at Pennell's Restaurant, owned by close family friends.
After Robert retired, they became beloved snowbirds, first in Delray Beach, Florida and later settling in The Villages. Though Susan never considered herself a skilled golfer, she surprised everyone—including herself—by hitting a hole-in-one during her first year playing.
Susan made friends everywhere she went. Her kindness, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others created lifelong connections, and the number of people who loved her is truly remarkable.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert, who passed just four months earlier, as well as her parents and her brothers Albert, David, and Dale.
She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Pedone (Michael) and Deborah Gratton (Brian); her grandchildren Rickey Hagadorn (Britney), Camryn Kail (Tyler), Anthony Pedone (Meg), Haley Pedone (Tyler), and Nicholas Pedone (Olivia); and her great-grandchildren Aubriella Colette, Charleigh Sue, and Gabriel, with two more precious babies on the way whom she will lovingly watch over. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Sandy and Frank Gratton, and her sister-in-law, Sister Ann Gratton, all of Saratoga Springs, as well as several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
After Robert's passing, Susan found comfort and companionship in Levi, her devoted sidekick, who followed her everywhere and curled up beside her as she played mahjong and Words With Friends—where she was well known for kicking everyone's butt. The family often joked that he may have helped her cheat from time to time.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Peter on Saturday, January 24 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Saratoga County in Susan's memory.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Mass of Christian Burial
Church of St. Peter
Starts at 10:00 am
Visits: 141
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors