Susan Jane Elizabeth Pavin Tranchida, lovingly known as Mama T, Geege, and Grammy T, age 84, of Jasper, New York, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Sue was born on June 15, 1942, at Jewish Memorial Hospital in Manhattan to the late Leo and Jean (Grant) Pavin. While growing up in New York City, she met the love of her life, Robert “Rob” Tranchida, when they were teenagers. Together, they built a beautiful life and began raising their family in New Jersey. After many years there, Rob and Sue decided to retire to the countryside of Jasper, New York, where they created a home filled with love, laughter, animals, good food, and countless cherished memories.
Sue was a hardworking and dedicated woman. She worked at Delaware Valley Regional School in New Jersey as both a cafeteria manager and a bus driver. No matter what role she took on, she cared deeply about the people around her and always gave her best.
Many people would describe Sue as their best friend. She was one of the strongest, most caring, loving, and selfless people anyone could ever know. Simply meeting Sue was a blessing. She had the ability to change a person’s life with her smile, her kindness, and the way she made everyone feel important, comfortable, and loved.
Sue kept her home to perfection and was always prepared for anything. She loved learning new things and was the person everyone turned to for advice, answers, comfort, or simply a listening ear. She took great pride in helping others and always knew how to make people feel at home.
An amazing cook, Sue filled both hearts and stomachs. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, comfort, conversation, and love. Her passion for cooking was one of the many ways she cared for the people around her. At the heart of Sue’s life were her love of family, her love of God, and her passion for cooking.
Sue was a member of West Jasper Wesleyan Church, and her faith was an important part of who she was. She also took great pride in honoring her Scottish and Italian roots.
Sue loved telling stories, drinking coffee, and making people laugh with her unforgettable sense of humor. A fresh cup of coffee often accompanied the conversations, stories, and special moments she shared with the people she loved.
Above all else, Sue loved her family more than anything in the world. She had a deep-rooted love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found tremendous joy in loving them, caring for them, and, of course, spoiling them whenever she had the chance. Her family was her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and the center of her life.
Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Rob” Tranchida; her son, Robert Tranchida; her brother, Neil Pavin; and her dear sister-in-law, Irene DePace.
She is survived by her children, Frank (Elaine) Tranchida and Jeanette (George) Terjesen; her daughter-in-law, Lauri Tranchida; her grandchildren, Chris (Ashley) Tranchida, Harley Jane Fehley, and Janine Terjesen; and her great-grandchildren, Parker and Autumn Tranchida.
Sue was also a beloved aunt to Joe (Tamara) DePace and their family, and Lisa (Dennis) Matoes and their family. She leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.
Sue’s strength, faith, humor, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to live on through her family and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Although she will be deeply missed, the comfort, traditions, stories, laughter, and love she gave so freely will remain with her family forever.
Her family would like to sincerely thank everyone who knew Sue, loved her, and showed their love and support throughout her life.”
The family will receive friends from noon-2 pm Thursday, July 30th at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo where a funeral service will take place immediately following calling hours at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Todd Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Woodhull Cemetery, Woodhull, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West Jasper Wesleyan Church, 2619 Cty. Rte. 31, Greenwood, NY 14839.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
