Susan J. Parks, life was good

PORTVILLE — Susan J. Parks, of 7345 Wightman Road, Friendship, formerly of Portville, passed away Saturday (May 23, 2026) at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua.

Born Nov. 19, 1952, in Olean, she was the daughter of the late George and Stella Elniskey Parks. Susan grew up in Portville and graduated from Portville Central School in the Class of 1971.

On Aug. 16, she began her career at Alcas Corporation, now known as Cutco, where she worked for over 30 years until her retirement in October 2002.

A member of the Portville Legion Post 814, Susan cherished moments spent at porch parties at 78 South Main Camp and at home on Wightman Road. She loved four-wheeler trips, gathering around bonfires with friends and family, and enjoying great times at Sunny Hill Campground.

A devoted fan of the Bills and Packers, she also loved taking pictures.

She is survived by her loving partner of 41 years, Larry Bedow; three children, Shawn (Heather) Bedow, Shane (Kim) Bedow and Shannon (Bedow) Shaffer; and six grandchildren, Bryce, Tyler, Jordan, Tate, Tayler and Caylen; and five great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by two brothers, Ken (Angie Shuster) Parks of Chickamauga, Ga., and Jim (Chris) Parks of Portville; a sister, Deb (Joe) Piccirillo of Portville; four nephews, Tom (Jen) Parks, Matthew Piccirillo, Andrew (Daneal) Piccirillo and Christiaan Parks; a niece, Shannon (Bob) McMahon; three great-nephews, Mason, Luca and Ariel; and a great niece, Maddy.

She was predeceased by her nephew, Jason Piccirillo in 1985; as well as her beloved four-legged family members, Mandee in 1999 and Shasta in 2015.

Family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday (May 29, 2026) at Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 51 S. Main St., Portville. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday (May 30, 2026) at the funeral home, with Rev. Chuck Maine presiding. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Allegany County SPCA or the Portville Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be made at guentherfh.com.