Susan Biroc Stender

Susan Kathleen Biroc Stender

November 30, 1960 – May 16, 2025

With deep sorrow and boundless love, we announce the passing of Susan Kathleen Biroc Stender on May 16, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 64, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, Susan never lost her radiant positivity, grace, or her unwavering generosity of spirit.

Susan was born to Barbara and Albert Biroc in Jersey City, New Jersey. She grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, in the Lionshead Lake community where she attended Wayne Hills High School.

She was predeceased by both of her parents, who instilled in her the strength, compassion, and joyful spirit that defined her life.

From a young age, she was known for her beauty, warmth, and natural charisma.

She met the love of her life, George Stender, in 2004, and they married in 2006. Together, they shared a deep and joyful partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. In George’s words, “She was the greatest wife on this earth.”

Susan is survived by her loving husband, George Stender; her daughter, Kathryn Keskinyan; her son, Michael Culhane; her son-in-law, Shant Keskinyan; and her cherished granddaughter, Claire Keskinyan. She is also survived by her brothers, Patrick Biroc and Richard Biroc; her sisters-in-law, Monica Biroc and Lizette Biroc; her nieces, Kimberly Biroc and Sophia Biroc; her nephew, Chris Biroc; and her beloved dog, Rusty. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunt and uncle, Kathy and Eddie Agresta; her cousins, Jill Skinner, Todd Agresta, Kurt Biroc his wife Malaina and many extended family members and friends who cherished her deeply.

Above all, Susan was devoted to her family. Being a mother was her greatest passion and proudest role. She welcomed her daughter Katie into this world in 1990 and her son, Michael arrived in 1991. She often said that every age of her children was the best age—she truly loved every moment of motherhood. She embraced each season of their lives with joy, patience, and wonder. She was the most loving, attentive, and inspiring mother one could imagine, and she was also the proud and adoring grandmother to Claire, who brought endless joy to her life.

Susan was a gifted athlete and natural leader. She was an accomplished volleyball player who treasured playing on a recreational team with her mother and aunt, and in her twenties, she worked as a fitness instructor. Athletic and adventurous, her and her husband later became a certified master and rescue scuba diver, fearlessly diving with sharks and exploring underwater caves.

A lover of the outdoors, Susan was drawn to the beauty of wildlife—especially dolphins, manatees, cardinals, chipmunks, and pelicans. She found peace in sunsets over the canal behind her dream home in Florida, where she loved boating and exploring dockside restaurants with her husband.

In addition to a successful career in marketing and advertising—where she excelled at building relationships and leading with creativity—Susan was a bold entrepreneur and the founder of SNG Transportation Solutions. She was also a fierce and strategic Texas Hold ’em player who won multiple tournaments and was known for her sharp mind and fearless play.

Susan was an excellent and self-taught cook who delighted her family and friends with meals made from the heart. Her shrimp with white wine sauce and homemade chicken soup were legendary and filled her home with warmth and comfort.

She had a particular love for Christmas. Susan made the holidays magical, not just through her warmth and generosity, but with her famously over-the-top gift wrapping. She was an expert wrapper—each package meticulously decorated and sealed with so much tape that opening it became a joyful challenge. Her festive spirit brought delight to everyone around her.

Susan was stunningly beautiful, both inside and out. Her vibrant presence lit up every room she entered. She lived with purpose, gave selflessly, loved deeply, and brought joy to everyone around her.

Her warmth, courage, and radiant light will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was truly one of a kind—forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s honor to:

- Cancer Research Institute give.cancerresearch.org

- National Wildlife Federation support.nwf.org