Suzanne Elizabeth Lenz Janney

Suzanne Elizabeth Lenz Janney passed away in Sarasota on August 9, 2025 after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and pneumonia. 

Born in Suffern, New York on May 20, 1946, to William E. Lenz, Jr. and Elizabeth Burroughs Lenz, she grew up in Haverstraw, New York, where she attended Haverstraw High School. She attended Mount Holyoke College and, while there, spent a summer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna, Italy and another summer as a White House intern. After graduation from Mount Holyoke in 1968, she earned a M.A. from Columbia University in 1969. She married Oliver James Janney on June 21, 1969, at St. Thomas Church in New York City. The couple lived in Boston for over a year and returned to New York, where she and Oliver eventually settled in Scarborough-on-the-Hudson. There she brought up her son, Oliver Burr, and her daughter, Elizabeth Flower. 

Suzanne worked for the Institute of International Education, where she served as Assistant Director of the Foreign Fulbright Programs and Assistant Manager of the American Fulbright Programs. She also served as President of the Mount Holyoke Club of Westchester. In 1991, she followed her husband to Sarasota, Florida. After a brief period as an adjunct at the University of South Florida, she joined New College of Florida, the state’s honors college. She began as the National Grants Consultant; The first grant she secured exceeded $600,000. Later, she became Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Director of Special Projects. When New College became independent from the University of South Florida in 2001, she became the Special Assistant to the President for Gordon “Mike” Michalson and then Donal O’Shea. Her duties included obtaining New College’s accreditation, serving as liaison to the Board of Trustees, advising applicants for Fulbright scholarships, coordinating the Duke TIP Program at New College, and special projects. She also served as Secretary of the Sarasota World Affairs Council. After she retired in 2019, she served as a volunteer at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Episcopal Thrift House and the Caritas Food Pantry. 

Suzanne was active in the Sarasota Mount Holyoke Club, which she served as President for many years. She also was President of her Mount Holyoke Class for five years, including their 50th reunion. In 2008, Mount Holyoke College awarded her the Alumnae Medal of Honor. Suzanne loved reading, gardening and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. She enjoyed the cultural events that Sarasota had to offer, including the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Music Festival, the Sarasota Ballet and the Asolo Theatre. She also loved travel, both for business and pleasure. She and Oliver visited many countries over the years. 

Suzanne is survived by her husband, her son, Oliver Burr Janney, her daughter, Elizabeth Janney King, and her brother, William E. Lenz, III. 

SERVICE: In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial service. 

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Selby Botanical Gardens. 

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