Susan J. Sykes

Susan J. Sykes, age 74, of 10 Grace Terrace, Pittsfield, died Thursday, January 11, 2022.  Born August 8, 1947, in Pittsfield, MA, she was the daughter of late George and Minerva Sookey Simon. 

Educated in the local schools, she was a 1965 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School. Susan was a stay-at-home mom until her sons entered high school at which point she began a lifelong career in retail.  She began this journey by operating her own Bridal Shop, Heart to Heart Bridal, in downtown Pittsfield for over 10 years, later transitioning to Price Chopper for many years before retiring in 2010.

Susi could always be heard above the crowd at her sons sporting events, a trait that continued while attending her grandchildren’s events later in life.  Some of her most enjoyable moments came from day trips to the casino with her sisters and family vacations with the Warrens to York Beach, Maine.  She loved to cook and bake for everyone, her specialty was Kibbee.  Susi loved to be around the family and her home was always the gathering spot, especially in the summer, when each day everyone would converge for a picnic.   Christmastime was always her favorite, going overboard on gifts, and holiday decorations, creating an atmosphere which fostered the “Magic of Christmas.”  Of all things, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren.  Pitching wiffle balls to Ben, playing board games with Nathan, writing on the white board with Sammy and just trying to keep up with Sydney. This is where Sitto found her greatest happiness, we know she will be forever watching over them. 

She and her husband, John A. Sykes (Pokey), were married November 15, 1969 and shared 53 wonderful years together. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Thomas J. Sykes and his wife, Cortney of Westfield, MA, and Stephen G. Sykes of Pittsfield, her sister, Lorraine Moresi of Pittsfield, and the light of her life, her 4 grandchildren, Samantha and Sydney Sykes and Benjamin and Nathan Sykes.  She was predeceased by her sisters, Ilene L. Warren and Lois Henault (Salvie). 

Calling hours will be held this Sunday, January 16, 2022 beginning at 4:30 PM to 7 PM at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME, 40 Maplewood Avenue, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in care of the funeral home to further honor two of Susi’s grandchildren, either to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Fund, specifically, “Team Nate the Great” or to Shriners Children’s New England Care Center, Springfield, MA, in care of the funeral home.