Suzanne Cullen

Suzanne Hastings Cullen, originally of Ithaca, New York, and most recently of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away at home on November 26, 2025. She was surrounded and lovingly cared for by three generations of family. Her passing was swift and unexpected, yet peaceful and graceful.

Suzanne was born on April 1, 1943, in Buffalo, New York, to Francis and Susan (Cleveland) Hastings, and soon thereafter moved to Ithaca. She attended Immaculate Conception School and Ithaca High School, graduating with the Class of 1961.

In the years that followed, Suzanne explored life and independence, including a time working in Washington, D.C.—years she often said were the most “fun” of her life.

In 1966, Suzanne returned to Ithaca to attend a wedding, where she met Terry Cullen. The connection was immediate. The very next day, he picked her up for a Cornell hockey game. Two years later, Suzanne moved back to Ithaca, ready to marry the love of her life. Those plans were put on hold when Terry was deployed to Vietnam, facing an uncertain future.

After Terry was critically wounded in Vietnam and spent many months hospitalized, they were finally able to marry on September 2, 1967, and celebrated their union with a honeymoon in Puerto Rico.

Suzanne’s greatest devotion was to being a mother. She was a wonderful, deeply present mom to her two children, Michael and Mary (Mimi). She spent many years at home creating a loving environment, staying involved in school activities, sewing Halloween costumes by hand, and attending nearly every baseball game, softball game, hockey game, and dance recital. She was the mom who always showed up—with snacks, a sewing kit, or whatever else was needed.

Suzanne adored her home on Elmira Road, always going above and beyond to make it beautiful and welcoming. She often said, “They’re going to have to take me out of this house feet first.” Though she begrudgingly sold the Elmira Road home two years ago to move to Vero Beach to be closer to family, her heart never truly left it—or Wegmans, for that matter. Publix was no comparison, and she reminded everyone of that weekly.

Suzanne was a master of style, whether in home décor, fashion, or sewing. She created numerous quilts over the years for each of her children and every grandchild—each one personal, intentional, and made with love. In recent years, even while battling the “devil” of arthritis, she continued sewing—slower perhaps, but still determined—creating some of the most magnificent quilts one could ever see. Her strength, determination, and beauty remained with her until her very last breath.

Suzanne is survived by her husband of 58 years, Terry Cullen; her children, Michael Cullen and Mimi (Bob) Skowronski; and her beloved grandchildren, Kaya, Leif, Logan, Mason, Aedan, and Emme, who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her brother Mike (Linda) Hastings whom she found to be the most hilarious man on the planet.

A burial is tentatively planned for May 1, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents and among all the beautiful flowers spring has to offer.