Obituary: Suzanne E. (Jones) Buckholtz

Suzanne E. (Jones) Buckholtz

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June 15, 1942 – March 8, 2026

Suzanne E. (Jones) Buckholtz of Lewiston died March 8, 2026. She was the beloved wife of Harry Buckholtz; the dearest mother of Christopher, Max (Daniela) and Katherine; the devoted grandmother of Seraphina, Owen, Miruna, Jonathan and Noelle. She is also survived by stepbrothers James and Mark (Julie), and special family friend Mike Jue. Suzanne was the daughter of the late William Jones and the late Pearl Jones. She had several cousins who were very close to her, such as Paul Sipson and wife, Chris, and cherished her time growing up with an extended family under one roof.

Suzanne was a graduate of Lockport High School and earned a BS in elementary education from Brockport State College, then an MS at Buffalo State College with Summa Cum Laude honors. She taught first grade at Bay Shore, Long Island, Millbrook, New Jersey and Louisville, Kentucky. Later, Suzanne became a tutor in Livermore, California. In addition, she became a caring employee serving Niagara Hospice.

Suzanne was always an enthusiast of water activities and served as a lifeguard and waterfront director in her college years in New Jersey, Michigan and Massachusetts. She was a member of Tuscarora Yacht Club, Wilson, and co-owner for 49 years of the Ridgecomber Marina with her husband on their Niagara Riverfront property in Lewiston.

Suzanne’s love of horses was instilled in her by her father, and she enjoyed 4H and riding with her father along the Erie Canal in her younger years. Later, she passed her enthusiasm for equestrian activities on to her daughter and granddaughter who also became skilled equestrians.

As a member on the board of directors for an animal rescue organization under the direction of Dr. Marian Caroll, Suzanne contributed directly to eliminating the use of decompression chambers to euthanize animals in Erie County, a practice cited for its cruelty. She later became a member of PETA, a national organization dedicated to animal welfare, and had a lifetime of having cats and dogs.

Suzanne became enamored with music education while receiving her master’s degree and taking classes with Dr. Joseph Wincenc, who introduced her to the philosophy of internationally renowned pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. She worked diligently with her three children on stringed instruments and piano via the Buffalo Suzuki Strings and gave to her children the training she was not afforded in her youth. She was elected to the board of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra and was very active in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lewiston, as a Sunday school teacher and choir member. Later, she became a member of Faith Tabernacle of Lockport.

Suzanne possessed a kind heart, loving all around her with equanimity. She believed strongly in kindness, good treatment and respect for all living creatures. Her personal philosophy was embodied in what she gave to her children and grandchildren, which can be summarized as “plant the trees for them, with them and within them for them to later enjoy the shade.”

Late in life, Suzanne tended dutifully to trees that attracted butterflies on their long migration. Butterflies held a deep meaning for Suzanne, as a positive symbol for continuous change and growth: Life is changed not taken away.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday March, 14, at the Rhoney Funeral Home, 901 Cayuga St., Lewiston. Services will follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzanne’s honor may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, Buffalo Suzuki Strings or PETA. We welcome sharing of memories of Suzanne and/or condolences.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.