Obituary of Sue Raitt

Carol Sue Raitt, 87, of New Hartford, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, on April 18, 2025, following a courageous battle with MDS Leukemia. 

She was born in Rochester on May 17, 1937, daughter of the late John F. and Esther (Wilson) Karle.  Sue met young Richard Raitt in 3rd grade.  They remained friends throughout their school years and were united in marriage on August 1, 1959.  Sue was a passionate educator.  She was a teacher in the Rochester Public Schools and at Whitesboro Central School.  She was the educational coordinator for Head Start of Rome for many years and also worked in the office at Clinton Central School. Sue loved to spend her days outside in her gardens or watching her grandchildren at their events. Sue, was dedicated to her children and grandchildren, supporting them in all their endeavors. 

She was creative and artistic and expressed her love through cooking and entertaining, knitting and painting.  Sue loved antiques and was a member of Questers.  Sue was also a longtime member of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Opportunities) where she made lifelong friends. She always put her family first and spending time with them was her greatest joy.  Her friendships ran true and deep and she felt blessed to call so many wonderful women “friend”, which is another word for “the family we choose”. Carol Sue was a kind and thoughtful woman known for her gentle spirit and her tender heart. 

She is survived by her husband, Richard Raitt; her devoted daughters, Jennifer Raitt of Syracuse, and Rebecca and Charles Burmaster of Erieville; her cherished grandchildren, Karlee and Paul Turner of TN, Gregg and Julia Burmaster of Ottawa, and Luciano Vallone of Florida; sister-in-law, Colleen Karle of CO; many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Sue was predeceased by her parents and her brother John Karle. 

All are invited to a Memorial Service at 10:30am on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Stone Presbyterian Church, S. Park Row in Clinton with a reception to follow. The family will receive guests from 10am until the service begins.  Sue will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Cemetery.  Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, Stone Presbyterian Church or American Cancer Lymphoma Society.