Susan M. McKinnon

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Susan Mary (O’Connell) McKinnon, 68,of Forestville, early Thursday morning, October 23, 2025 at Roswell Park after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on June 18, 1957 in Dunkirk, NY, Susan was the daughter of the late John (Jack)F. O’Connell and Mary Anne (Burke) Lawhead. Besides her parents, she waspredeceased by her sisters Sharon and Karen O’Connell.Susan graduated from Fredonia High School(Class of ’75) and attended SUNYFredonia. Throughout her life she worked as a childcare provider, waitress, teacher's aide, antique dealer, and dog breeder. Known for a strong work ethic and a caring heart, Susan dedicated much of her time helping others

.A lifelong animal lover – specifically Min Pins, Australian Shepherds, Lovebirds and Finches, Susan supported organizations such as the ASPCA and the Humane Society. A devoted Catholic with strong faith, she was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Fredonia where she volunteered with bible camp, community events, and outreach programs. Her beautiful singing voice could always be heard at every mass she attended. She organized and led the annual children’s Christmas Eve Nativity reenactment for many years.

In her free-time she enjoyed antiquing, yard-sailing, gardening, cooking, crafting, and sewing – especially with family and friends. She always loved cheering her boys on at every sports event they played and never missed a game. She also took great pride in driving her old Chevy trucks.

Those who knew Susan will remember her for being kind, loving, compassionate, selfless and giving. She could not go anywhere without making new friends. She found joy in cooking for others and spending moments with her loved ones. She loved watching real crime TV shows and her beloved Buffalo Bills. 

Susan will forever be missed and loved by so many. Susan is survived by her husband, Daniel McKinnon, of Forestville, NY. Two sons, JohnF. (Lauren) O’Connell, of Buffalo, NY, Matthew (Justine) McKinnon, of Forestville, NY,and her bonus son Andrew (Brittany) Phillips, of San Tan Valley, AZ. Four grandchildren,Gwendolyn and Annelise O’Connell. Kinnsley Chitwood, and Liam McKinnon. Also byher siblings Kathleen (William) Stelmach of Fredonia, Michael O’Connell of Dunkirk,Barbara Schwertfager of Fredonia, Jayne DeJonghe of Dunkirk, James O’Connell of Dunkirk, and Jill (Steven) Crane, of Dunkirk. A Sister-In-Law Cindy Brown of Dunkirk,special Godson Jimmy O’Connell of Dunkirk, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church; 1032 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in private.

In addition to or in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.