Susan Carter Brower

Susan Carter Brower, age 67, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. She leaves behind countless people who treasured her for her generosity, her talents, and her tremendous love of friends, family and folks in need.

The youngest child of Nicholas Squillaro and Clara Beall Carter, Susan spent her early years in Odenton, Maryland. In 1970, she moved to Clifton Park, N.Y., with her brother Bob and sister MaryAnn. After graduating from Shenendehowa High School in 1976, she went to Syracuse University for a degree in photography. Susan was an outstanding student who excelled not only at photography but at nearly everything she did.

Susan met the love of her life, Kelly Brower, while in high school and had planned to celebrate 46 years of marriage in July. They moved to Ithaca, N.Y. in 1981, where she attended nursing school at Tompkins Cortland Community College. As a registered nurse, she found her true passion helping women and families welcome their babies into the world. A vital part of the Maternal and Child Health team at the Cayuga Medical Center for more than 35 years, her compassion, skill and strength earned the trust and admiration of her patients and colleagues.

Blending her love of photography and babies, she created special birth announcements for friends. She was always happy to make memory books, programs, artful signs, or whatever was needed for her friends’ special events. Susan’s creative talents extended to drawing, painting, stained glass, sewing and other media. Her photos of newborns still adorn the medical center walls.

After her retirement in April 2023, Susan enjoyed traveling, her many creative projects and time with family and friends. She was a shining light in the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know her. Her unexpected departure has left an immeasurable void in our hearts, but her legacy of love, compassion, and service will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Susan leaves her husband, Kelly, along with her loving sons Luke Winston Brower and Spencer Reid Brower (Shelby) who miss her dearly. She also leaves her sister and dearest friend, MaryAnn Simpson (Roger) and their children, Heather and Nick as well as members of her extended family, whom she loved and adored.

A celebration of Susan’s beautiful life will be held Saturday, July 12 at 1:00PM at Trumansburg United Methodist Church in Trumansburg, N.Y. Calling hours at the church will precede the service and will be from 10:00AM – 12:00PM. A light meal at the American Legion in Trumansburg, 4431 E Seneca Road, Trumansburg, N.Y. will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation to Trumansburg United Methodist Church in Trumansburg, NY.

As we continue to reflect on Susan’s life and extraordinary talents, we hope to gather examples of the creative projects she made for others over the years. If Sue made something for you – big or small – we would be so grateful if you would share a photo or a description of it. Sue’s son Luke (also very creative and talented), along with his brother Spencer, are collecting these memories to celebrate and remember her creativity, generosity and the lasting impact she had on those around her. Please click on this link: browerfamily.net/memories for additional information. Thank you for helping us honor Susan’s beautiful spirit and legacy.