ALTAMONT — Sue W. Lainhart (née Walsh), a science teacher who preserved the legacy of the Lainhart homestead, died there on Saturday, June 24. She was 81 years old.

She grew up in Castleton, New York on the Dawn Dairy goat farm owned by her parents, Thomas Walsh and Dorothy Booth-Walsh. She graduated from The Academy of Holy Names, received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The College of Saint Rose, and a master’s degree in science education from Union College.

She was a science teacher and taught biology and Earth science at East Greenbush High School for 31 years.

She married Reid C. Lainhart of Altamont in 1970 and was with him until his death in November 2001.

Sue and Reid Lainhart lived on the Lainhart homestead, which has been in the family since 1768. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Lainhart remained on the farm and dedicated herself to preserving its historical legacy. She received a state grant for historical preservation and oversaw the renovation of two Dutch barns on the property.

“Her family is forever grateful to her home health aids, Alice Ault and Marsha Blood. Without them, Sue would have been unable to remain at home and independent,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Sue wanted to live out her life at home with her dog, Foxy, and with their help she was able to do so.”

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Sue W. Lainhart (née Walsh) is survived by her son, Charles Lainhart, his wife, Kristina, and by her grandson, Michael Lainhart, and his mother, Laurie. Sue is also remembered by her stepsons Paul, Brian, and Alan Lainhart and their families.

Her husband, Reid C. Lainhart, died in 2001.

Services will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont on Thursday, June 29, at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Post Office Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.