Susan G. Blais

TROY – Susan G. Blais, 71, of Troy, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Samaritan Hospital with her family by her side.  First and foremost, Susan loved the Lord. She served Him with all of her heart, especially as she spent 30 years serving as a member of a worship team, first at the United Church of Cohoes, and then at Redeeming Love Church.

Susan was a devoted wife to Jeffrey G. Blais, who was her one and only true love on this earth.  In addition to being her life partner, Jeffrey was also her life-sustaining partner in dialysis. Jeffrey saw her through many trials during her lifetime. Susan was eternally grateful for his love and affection, especially in times of trial and difficulty.

Susan was also survived by her only son, Thomas F. Adams II. She has always given him all of her love and affection. Her greatest joy was to see him become the fine, upstanding adult, which he has become. She was so very proud of him as a son, and then especially as a husband and father. Thomas is married to Hillary (Shover) Adams. Susan loved and respected Hillary and looked to her as the daughter that she always wanted. Susan often referred medical questions to her Dr. Hillary. The jewel in Susan’s crown was her granddaughter Julia F. Adams, Thomas and Hillary’s only child. Julia was very special to Susan, not only as her only grandchild, but as a friend. They spent many hours talking and sharing as they baked chocolate-chip cookies together.

Susan was the daughter of the late Donald E. Gamache and Joan R. Gamache. She was sister to Janet Blais (Paul) and Nancy Bardin (Robert). Later in her life, Susan also learned that she had three half siblings; Donald E. Roy, Kara Roy and Debbie Wager whom she came to know and love. Susan is also survived by her nephew, Brandon Bardin and two nieces, Bonnie Carey (Joseph) and Jennifer Ogilvie (Tim), as well as their families. Susan also had a beloved late Aunt, Eunice Archambeault, whom she spent many pleasurable hours with. Susan’s cousins Joseph Archambeault, Donna Lofink and Terry Boyles were as close as siblings in Susan’s youth.

Susan worked most of her life and called herself a workaholic. She began her career at Garden Way and worked there for 16 years. She also worked with many local small businesses through You’re The Boss, a company she co-owned. In addition, She and husband Jeffrey also owned and operated the Fantastic Sam’s haircare in Brunswick for six years. In her later years, she worked for the Alight Care Center, a pregnancy care center. Susan had a special love for the saving of unborn babies.

Susan suffered her entire life with Alport Syndrome, a genetic disease which affects the kidneys.  She had her first kidney transplant in 1986 from a non-living donor. She was always thankful for the unknown family who donated a young girl’s kidney to Susan. She always felt that the family would have been pleased and honored to know that the donated kidney gave Susan 15 years of dialysis-free life.

Susan also received a second transplanted kidney in 2006 from her best friend, Colleen Davis.  Colleen answered the spiritual call from God to give one of her kidneys to Susan. Although the transplant was incompatible, and lasted for less than 4 years, it was Colleen’s gift of life which caused them to become “sisters” the rest of their lives. As you read this, please consider becoming an organ donor yourself. It’s as easy as filling out an organ donation card, or signing the organ donor designation on the back of your license, and making sure your family knows of your wishes. Susan donated her body to the Albany Medical Center Anatomical Gift Program in hopes that it will further a cure for Alport Syndrome.

Susan had many friends and especially loved Barbara Smith and Linda Comstock. She also loved her Skip-Bo partners Kathy, Debbie, Karen, Lauren and Linda. Susan was always up for a good game of cards.

Susan’s life was a simple but fulfilling one. She loved the Lord, her family and friends. That is what mattered to Susan most in this world. Her life verse in the Bible was “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” – Proverbs 3: 5-6.

A memorial service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held in Spring at the United Church of Cohoes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alport Syndrome Foundation or the United Church of Cohoes.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit HansFuneralHome.com .