Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW 7

Dear Readers,

When I think about Aunt Susie, the first three words that come to mind is strength, determination, and warmth.

My great-aunt, Aunt Susie, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 98, was someone whom I looked up to all my life.

Aunt Susie was active in youth groups when she lived in Vienna, and her energy didn’t wane when she came to America on her own in her teens. She embraced any challenge that was presented to her and was brave in the face of hardship.

More than just her drive to move forward, Aunt Susie was someone who loved people. When she would walk on the boardwalk in Florida during the winter months, she would inevitably be stopped every few minutes by people who wanted to chat. Over the past few decades, she spent her days at the Midwood Jewish Center, where she and my grandmother served the coffee together. There wasn’t a person at the center who didn’t know Aunt Susie. She would schmooze and listen and reminisce and give advice.

Perhaps it was her positive outlook on life that drew people to her. I know that every conversation I had with Aunt Susie was filled with lessons she learned along the way. Many times, her teachings started out with the ubiquitous “I’ll tell you something,” and we knew that she had something important to say.

The advice she dispensed came in different forms – her stories, her conversations about her parents, and her wise words about life. But it was always said in a way that uplifted you, that made you want to continue the conversation and bottle her guidance for future reference.

I learned from Aunt Susie how to be a good sibling. Over the past few years, my grandmother and Aunt Susie spoke almost every day. She surrounded herself with her cousins and made sure to be in touch with them consistently. She taught me by example the importance of family, how friends are nice but family should be the most important people in the world.

Aunt Susie’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are continuing her legacy of impassioned frumkeit and communal responsibility. They are known for their open homes, their warmth, and their enthusiasm to do for others.

May Hashem bring them comfort in their loss, as only He truly can.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

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