S u z a nne!
Here’s
t o
Y o u
Dear Suzanne,
This Book Was Created with Much
Love for You in Honor of Your
50 th
BIRTHDAY
My hope is that each time you meander through the pages of this
book, you realize how greatly loved and appreciated you are
With All My Love Forever and Ever, Merri
I
❤
LOVE
Suzanne
I love Suzanne because she’s a wonderful Mom. She does anything
she can to make her family happy, specially her children. I wish you all the best.
One more thing: On your 50th birthday I do hope it hasn’t already started
People call at 9p.m and ask, “ Did I wake you?” — Love, Michela and Sandro
I love Suzanne because she is full of life, successfully wears
many hats, and is a caring, wonderful person. Besides knowing Suzanne
from Temple, Suzanne got me into a book club about four or five years
ago. What was the common denominator for who joined it? Everyone knew
Suzanne in one capacity or another. And we’ve had loads of fun ever since…
Our book club is not your typical book club. Yes, we do read many terrific books,
(and a few not-so-terrific) that tend to cover a wide range of subjects- very eclectic
(like me!). Also, whenever we meet, we have a great evening out. Periodically
our group goes defunct- well, maybe not defunct, but let’s just say dormant
for many months. I think that’s because all of us just get busy with families,
work and LIFE. Just when you think, “We’re done … right?”, we somehow
get resurrected again! And that’s usually by our fearless leader - Suzanne.
We love Suzanne because she gets excited about everything and
makes us very glad to be in her company. We also love the way Suzanne smiles
BIG and when she says hello, you know she is REALLY happy to see you and
that whatever you’re going to do, you’re going to have a good time! We love
Suzanne because she is enthusiastic, hilarious, energetic, exciting, positive,
hopeful, thoughtful, generous, caring, kind, curious, clever, spontaneous,
creative, cheerful, giving, interesting, supportive...we could go on and on...and
incredibly smart! She is...The Fluffer! — Char and John
I love Suzanne because she is incredibly generous and will put
other’s needs before her own. In the early 1980s I had the opportunity to visit
Suzanne when she was an undergraduate at Brandeis University. Merri and I
were living in South Florida at the time and I was on a two week business trip to
Endicott, N.Y. Suzanne was living in a very very very poorly heated apartment, so
Merri and I decided to give her an electric blanket. Upon my arrival I presented
the blanket to Suzanne, and she was very excited and looked forward to a
night’s sleep without having to wear gloves, mittens, scarf and hat to stay warm.
When it was time for bed I took my place on the floor, and I began to freeze. I
knew how excited Suzanne was to use her new gift, but I was so cold I asked if I
could use the electric blanket. Without hesitation she said yes, and I slept very
comfortably. I will never forget her generosity. — Jeff
At the end of each shmoozy dinner/book club meeting we all say something like,
“This was great! We should meet more often!” And then we get busy with LIFE
again… Yet through it all, Suzanne has chosen a wonderful group of women to
laugh with, commiserate with, analyze, and just enjoy each other’s company. And
through it all, the common “thread” interweaving this diverse group of women is
Suzanne herself, with her warmth, humor, intellect and keen insights. Sometimes
when we can’t meet, it legitimately is due to various aspects of LIFE stopping the
meeting in its tracks, like the time Suzanne called a book club meeting and suggested
the perfect date (she thought) to have it. “Suzanne,” I emailed her, “I’d love to
come, but I’ll be at Temple that night for Purim!” “Bonnie, thanks for reminding
me,” Suzanne emailed us all back, “because I can’t come that night, either!”
Yes, Suzanne does wear many hats, and all of them successfully, but this was
the most unusual one of all, or as she put it: “I really have a good reason for
not being there,” we learned. “I’ll be on the bima for the Purim schpiel.”
And Suzanne did that well, too. In fact, never in my life did I ever see a finer
“menshkin” than Suzanne (and Aaron), then that night in The Wizard of Oyz!
Now I would like to add a personal note to you, Suzanne- Thanks, Suzanne, for
all of your “hats.” I truly love them all! And I wish you very Happy 50th, with
lots of love. Let’s keep hanging out at least another 50 years, give or take a few.
And please don’t think of 50 as old. Personally, I’d like to think of it as, “I’ve
been there!” Finally, all of life’s best to you; may you have continued happiness,
success, fulfillment and plenty more shtick along the way. — With love, Bonnie
I love Suzanne because she has a heart of gold and she makes you
smile when she is near you. — Toby
I love Suzanne because… she has one of the biggest hearts of
anyone I know. She is also an amazing and supportive friend. — Madelaine
I love Suzanne because we can always count on her.— Ivenchy
andwitheveryinsultfatheranddaughtergrowclosertogether
I love Suzanne becauseshe’ssoeasytoinsult...
— Dad
Naomi and I love Suzanne because she loves Marc. Because she
is a magnificent human being who is a loyal, loving, dedicated, persistent,
determined, seemingly inexhaustible (although we know better) daughter, wife,
mother, daughter-in-law, friend, Jew.
We love Suzanne because she is kind and thoughtful and patient and longsuffering.
Because she will not accept defeat but challenges adversity and wins.
We love Suzanne because she not only epitomizes all of these traits in our eyes
but has a track record that documents each and every one of these qualities.
We have known Suzanne -- or at least known about her -- since she and
Marc began dating. I was privileged to perform their wedding ceremony and
participate in the b’nai mitzvah of their sons (not to mention all the life cycle
events before that for Marc).
It is Naomi’s and my joy to share in honoring Suzanne
as she turns 50 (gulp). — Rabbi Norman Patz
I love Suzanne because she always has a smile on her face and a
laugh in her heart. She so easily laughs at herself that one cannot help but laugh
with her! — Debbie Golden Farrell
I love Suzanne because of her contagious laugh ... it reminds me of
her sister, Merri. Happy, Happy Birthday, Suzanne - stay just the way you are -
forever! — Love, Nancy Trowbridge-Kitchens
I love Suzanne because she is one of the most caring people I know.
I have so much respect for her and her dedication to her family and friends. She
does so much for other people and probably doesn’t even realize the impact she
has on them. She truly is a beautiful person, inside and out. — Jackie Zohn
I love Suzanne because she is kind, and giving, and funny, and
smart and fun, and full of love. — Kerry-Ann da Costa (Grizzle)
I love Suzanne because she knows just the right words to say to me
to make me feel good about myself. What’s really amazing is that I am pretty
sure she has this effect on almost everyone she meets. Once I was telling her
how I felt sorry for the people who did customer service work where they have
to deal with irate people on the phone. She told me that she loved to do that sort
of thing. You know there is something special about someone who can deal with
upset people on the phone! — Niranjan
I love Suzanne because....
•
Suzanne lights up a room faster and brighter than a strip of halogen
lights - except Suzanne lasts up to ten times longer and fits in most common
household sockets/fixtures
Suzanne has more faith, confidence, and enthusiasm in you than sometimes
you have in yourself (e.g., self-portrait assignment - sophmore year - Suzanne
locks me in the bedroom with ropes connected to doorknobs. Although a
violation of multiple firecodes, it worked. It produced the one signal drawing
in that entire year, if not my entire life, that I was ever really proud of)
Suzanne is supportive -when you don’t think anyone else in their right mind
would want to do the same thing - Suzanne is right there, is ALL IN, and
brings it to the next level. (e.g., while economically strapped, we use our pooled
grocery money and buy only food items that offered games and lottery chances
to win million dollar jackpots. Hey kids, boxed cereal is not just for breakfast
anymore).
Suzanne is resourceful - empty soda can and pen tip. Need I say more?
Suzanne is your biggest advocate when she sees you’ve been wronged or lost
your dog. Watch out!
Suzanne makes the best of a bad situation, understands people’s shortcomings
and does not go nuclear, no matter what inadvertently happened (e.g.,
lesson learned - when the dial indicates E - it is E. No built-in buffer. Sorry
Suzanne, again and again).
Suzanne makes everyone feel very special and welcomed (e.g., too many
examples to name but suffice to say my kids did not want to leave your house).
Suzanne is creative and one of the most thoughtful persons I know - Paris
box - although for a somewhat forgettable event, it was an unforgettable gift.
Suzanne can name that tune. If I ever need a lifeline on How to Be a
Millionaire - Suzanne would be on that list.
Suzanne’s friendship is as constant and timeless as the north
star. It doesn’t matter where you are, where Suzanne is, how
many years have passed, I can always count on Suzanne to be
the wonderful and beautiful person that I know and love!
Happy Birthday Suzanne!
You are Truly A Very Special, One of a Kind Person. — Pei Pei
I love Suzanne because....
Suzanne lights up a room faster and brighter than a strip of halogen
❤
she is so loving, kind and generous.
I love Suzanne because...
Th t is what I know the best about her and
that is what reminds me the most of her mother.
I adored Georgia for those very qualities that I see in Suzanne.
Happy 50th Birthday!
I WISH YOU ALL GOOD THINGS IN YOUR LIFE.
y o u ce r t a i n l y d e s e r v e t h e b e s t , b e c a u s e y o u a r e t h e b e s t !!!!!
— Love, Deanna
I love Suzanne because she is such a loving, caring,
strong, and accomplished person. Suzanne is somehow able to keep
family a priority while juggling so many other responsibilities.
She amazes me. She has a special gift (well, many) -- she has the
ability to fill a room with
and
bring
everyone along
and
laughter
for the
FUN!
I feel so special when we talk or when we see each other. I am always greeted
with a big “MARISA!” and that fills my heart with love and warmth.
Happy 50th and I look forward to 50 more!
– Love, Marisa
I love Suzanne because she is joyful, happy, and an incredibly
upbeat person to be around. She has the happiest voice of anyone I know and she
just exudes excitement. When I’m with Suzanne, I feel as if I’m swept up into fun
times and that there will be something new and different and wonderful around
every corner. And that’s always the way it has been, in high school and as young
adults and now as mothers of terrific college aged kids. With Suzanne, I always
feel young at heart, like I’m 14 and ready to go on an adventure. Who else
but Suzanne could have gotten me to ride my bike down the busy streets of
New City during the dark hours one evening to meet her at our local Burger
King. That time began when I was taking a short study break and chatting with
Suzanne on the phone, when all of the sudden, Suzanne got hungry and had a
whim to go and get some french fries right then and there. But it had to be fries
from Burger King, because the Burger King ketchup tasted sooo much better
than McDonald’s. Of course this made perfect sense to me since, as usual, it was
hard not to get swept up into a Suzanne adventure, where all the ideas sounded
like a great adventure, no worries hovered around, and everything made perfect
sense. So, I put aside my books and studying for the night, hopped on my
brother’s large ten speed bike (which I had never ridden before) and pedaled fast
and furiously down the dark streets of Little Tor Road to Burger King. Suzanne
was already there and we had such a great time sharing our fries and chatting.
I don’t remember what we talked about, but time passed quickly and when we
finished, it was really late and pitch dark outside. What to do with my bike?
Suzanne came up with a great idea: leave it leaning against some random pole
in the parking lot. She figured if the bike was leaning against a pole, it’ll look
as if the owner left it just for a second. And then I could pick it up the next
day after school by walking the 2 miles from the high school back to Burger King.
And of course, that’s what I did. And the bike was still leaning there, just
as Suzanne imagined it would. With Suzanne, leaning bikes don’t get
stolen, great tasting ketchup really matters and fun times can be had at any time,
anywhere. And me.... a nerdy, more than half afraid of the dark, bike riding
friend of Suzanne’s, who to this day, remembers nothing from the studying
done that evening, and everything about impulse and great tasting ketchup on
crispy fries, and chatting with a friend like Suzanne. — Shirley
I love Suzanne because of her tremendous heart and for all the
zany humor she generously sprinkles on all those she loves. I adore Suzanne
because she radically changed how I experienced high school. Instead of feeling
lonely, somewhat afraid & known as “the principal’s daughter”, I began to
have fun, made new friends & joined Summer Theatre, all because of Suzanne.
We love Suzanne because . . . she is a baby whisperer!!
— Much love, Deborah, Zach, Noah and Ethan Klehr
Suzanne makes me laugh all the time-- one of my few regrets about living in
Paris is that she’s not one of my neighbors. Thanks to FB, we now have more
frequent exchanges, many delirious, some intimate & all heartfelt. If Suzanne
were a fruit, she would be a ...pomegranate; Beautiful, original & delicious. She is
a TRULY Wonderful person (much like her mother) & a lovely friend. — Kathy
I love Suzanne because ... she is full of life. One of my favorite
memories of her is going to the circus with her in Hartford. Most people dress
up for the theater; she wore bright yellow baggy pants and a bright red clown
nose. She brings sunshine to otherwise cloudy days. — Phil Yoo
I love Aunt Suzannebecause....
She lights up the room
with energy and joyevery time she arrives.
She always knows how to
make a moment special.
No matter how she is feeling she’ll always somehow manage to put everyone else in a good mood.
— JAKE
I love Aunt Suzanne because she’s one of the few people that make this world beautiful and f lled with light.
she would be a peach....warm and fuzzy and oh, so sweet! - Jackie Zohn
she would have to be bruised, for obvious
reasons! (see what I wrote for “my favorite story”) - Debbie Golden Farrell
she would be a...A BAD APPLE!
(See my response for why I love Suzanne) - Dad
she would be a NUT!
- Aaron
SHE WOULD BE
A PINEAPPLE
BECAUSE SHE IS
SHARP ON THE
OUTSIDE AND
SWEET ON THE
INSIDE. - Madelaine
If Suzanne Were a Piece of Fruit
SHE WOULD BE
JUJYFRUIT, BECAUSE
SHE HAS A COLORFUL
PERSONALITY AND
SHE BRINGS A SMILE
TO YOUR FACE WHEN
YOU SEE HER. - Jeff
she would be
an otaheite
apple
startlingly
pretty on the
outside, and
deliciously
wonderful on
the inside.
- Kerry-Ann da Costa (Grizzle)
she would be a peach soft on the outside but strong on the inside. - Toby
she’d be a mango. . .
exquisite sweetness
& all goodness. - Ilone Sturm
SHE’D BE A HUGE BUNCH OF GRAPES LIKE THE ONE
CHARACTER ON THE FRUIT OF THE LOOM COMMERCIAL
WHO HAS THE ENORMOUS SMILE - Nancy Trowbridge-Kitchens
she would be an avocado (yes, avocados are fruit).
she has a tough skin, is tender on the inside, and has a big,
ever-growing heart. like an avocado, suzanne is versatile
and great at parties (can you spell gua-ca-mo-le?). - Marisa
If
of
a piece
Suzanne were
Irwin
fruit she’d be a Georgia Peach. Happy 50th Birthday! With all our
love - Aunt Nancy and Uncle
If Suzanne were a fruit
she would be a cantaloupe or pumpkin...
Big wild bright flowers
but open
and vines going every which way...
the fruit and it’s sunshine sweet
with a beautiful heart of gold.
Happy Birthday
Sister-O-Mine
- Alissa
I think if Suzanne were a fruit she’d be a mango - mangoes make
me think of parties, and when I picture Suzanne, I picture her either hosting a party
or having fun at a party. Suzanne is always the first on the dance floor, the first one
to give a hug, and surely the first one to laugh. I love you, Suzanne. You’re a super
woman and an awesome cousin.” — Love, Jill
My Sister-In-Law is A Carambola
“If Suzanne were a fruit what fruit would she
be?” The possibilities seem endless, but first, a bit of self-censorship is
in order. I was raised to be too much a gentleman to follow Alissa’s lead
and discuss Suzanne’s melons. Likewise, any description that includes
the phrase “nice pear” is similarly off limits. It should also be a private
matter between Suzanne and Marc whether she can make a mango crazy.
Sometimes, Suzanne seems nuttier than a fruitcake. If you’ve played word
games with her, or argued with her (pity her legal adversaries), you know
she can drive you bananas. She’s also as sweet as a red ripe strawberry,
as tough as a coconut and as funny as a well-placed
banana peel. None of these are quite right, though.
Suzanne can throw the biggest birthday
party, help her sons (nieces and
nephews, too) with their homework,
keep Marc out of trouble, display and
elicit the fiercest loyalty, create and share
the most fun, bake cookies for hundreds ...
all in one night ... while preparing a big case
... all with a smile. It can only mean one thing
- Suzanne is a carambola - a Star Fruit!
Happy Birthday Suzanne, with lots of love!
— Love, Bob
Banana!
Suzanne...
No explanation needed. - Merri
If Suzanne Were a Fruit She’d Be A Pomegranate
First of all, pomegranates have a gorgeous, striking, bright yet deep red color. Suzanne has always been beautiful and
striking, with great depth and character. She lights up whatever room she goes in, her personality is effervescent and bubbly,
and it’s near impossible to be depressed around her! . Originally, I was thinking of Suzanne as a “starfruit,” but as
talented and personable as Suzanne is, she has never been self-centered and has always wanted others to shine. I will
always remember
the elaborately themed parties in her house (Mexican with pinatas, squaredancing
parties,
kissing parties (where many of us experienced our first kisses,) etc). Suzanne
was a true trend
setter, whereas now-a-days, people often have themed parties for Bar Mitzvahs,
weddings, etc., back
then it was rare and unusual. And most importantly, EVERYONE was made to
feel included and
important, no matter how shy, insecure or popular they were. Only Suzanne’s
family never
locked their front door, yet another symbol of Suzanne and her family’s
open approach to welcoming people in their lives. Suzanne still has
that gift of helping others to shine and feel special. .
Pomegranates are a bold color and Suzanne has always been
up for any dare, including “streaking” in the neighborhood!
Suzanne truly “marches to a different drummer,”
and has never been afraid to be unique.
Lastly, pomegranates can be
messy and get all
over everything once they are cut open. One of my
fond memories is of Suzanne coming down the hall of
school, with papers flying out of an extremely disheveled,
overflowing, disorganized binder in every direction! Often, I
helped her pick the papers off the floor because they inevitably
fell out. However, though homework organization was not her
forte, it didn’t matter because her heart of gold, her musicality,
her ability to make any day a fun adventure, her laughter, her
enthusiastic spirit and her acceptance of anyone are what made her
friendship an incredible gift! Like pomegranates which stain your
hands red, such that the bright color is hard to remove, Suzanne’s joi
de vivre is contagious and rubs off on whoever is lucky enough to have
her in their life.
I love you Suzanne M. Klar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (which even makes me laugh, because if I remember correctly, she would tell
people that her middle initial stood for “mmmm...”)
Hugs and Best Wishes for
— Love, Lisa
50
More Fabulous Years
my favorite story about
SUZANNE
GOOD MEMORIES
GOOD MEMORIES
GOOD MEMORIES
GOOD MEMORIES
GOOD MEMORIES
GOOD MEMORIES
GOOD MEMORIES
My favorite story about Suzanne is how one summer, I’m not
exactly sure when but perhaps around Junior High, our moms -- Georgia and
Ferne, who were by now great friends and Bridge buddies -- signed us up for
golf lessons. I’m really not sure whose idea it was but Suzanne was a friend
so I went along with it. I don’t remember ever *wanting* to learn how to play
golf though. The image that sticks out in my mind from this adventure is this:
Suzanne and I standing at the top of some slope and this overweight and aging
man pedantically trying to teach us how to swing the golf clubs. We talked and
laughed and had such a grand time while paying little attention to his efforts to
teach us. I hope we weren’t rude but he had the kind of annoying personality
that really set us middle school kids into peals of laughter. I remember trying to
swing at the ball whenever I was directed to do so and then quickly returning to
my hilarious good time with Suzanne. I still can see her gorgeous, and naughty
and infectious smile in front of me. We kept up with his lesson but never let
him or our complete disinterest in learning to golf diminish our good time and
merriment. — Ilona Sturm
My favorite story about Suzanne is about when she made a
construction site, dirt and all for David’s party. — Madelaine
For my Suzanne story there are so many it is pretty hard to filter
them down to one, but here goes. One summer, it was either in Florida or at my
parents’ place in Annapolis, I can’t remember specifically, Suzanne and I were
together and at the ocean. I’m pretty sure it was in Maryland. It was a sunny day
with a lot of wind. We looked out over the bay and saw some guys windsurfing.
I mentioned off hand, JUST FOR CONVERSATION, “Boy, that looks fun.” So,
my cousin, ever the fun loving person that she is, said “It sure does. Let’s do
it.” And before I knew what was happening, we were at a wind surfing school
getting fitted with life vests and boards. We had a quick 10 minute lesson and
apparently Suzanne felt we were pretty much ready to take on the ocean. The
jellyfish notwithstanding, I could barely stand up and catch the wind. She and I
were falling all over. It was HARD! I had to concentrate and focus all my energy
to get up on the board and sail around. I sucked. I was totally immersed in this
effort when I looked up to see how my cousin was doing. And there before my
eyes was Suzanne, standing upright, wind to her back, standing stiff as a board
and sailing out to sea. She was able to get up, but wasn’t able to TURN. So she
couldn’t change direction to sail back to shore. Off she went. I was pretty sure
she would disappear over the horizon. But she finally got the good sense to fall
off the board. If she hadn’t done that I am pretty sure she would have made it to
Bermuda by nightfall. — Todd
My favorite story about Suzanne is how she used to come into
my house and juggle the fresh fruit that my Mom would have in a bowl on
the table. I think my mother cringed every time she entered the house fearing
bruised fruit when she would miss! And, she would miss, and she would laugh!
I also remember a party at your parent’s house. Suzanne was all dressed up
and was wearing a necklace from a boyfriend, Jeff Perlstein, I think. I told
her that the necklace wasn’t fancy enough for the outfit. I think she did
change it but she wasn’t too happy about it. That would be the same night
that she had her own idea of how to help clean up the kitchen.....which
did not include dumping any drinks down the sink if you catch my drift!
And then there was the time she told me that the Son of Sam was Jeff Berkowitz’s
cousin. I could not believe that I was in the same room as a killer’s cousin
When Suzanne arrived at our 10 year high school reunion, she was dropping
papers all over the place. As she picked one up, she dropped another one. Before I
even saw her face I knew who she was just by the laugh. I remember telling her that
I could just picture her walking into a court room. She would be stumbling up the
aisle, dropping paperwork, while saying “Hold on Judge, I’m getting there.......”
While living in Texas, Suzanne called to tell me she would be in the area and
asked if we could get together. I picked her up and brought her home. I had told my
daughters that my friend was coming and that they would enjoy meeting her. That
was at least 13 years ago and my girls still talk about the fun friend who came to visit!
Good Memories! — Debbie Golden Farrell
There are too many to pick just one favorite story about Suzanne.
How about when she would get all the cottage mates together to sing with Bruce
playing the guitar? Or going for breakfast at the diner with the truckers at 2 am?
Or eating cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner because that is what she and
Pei bought for groceries? Or dueling over jigsaw puzzle pieces? There was the
time she and Pei dressed Ric for the Lewd and Lascivious party at Brandeis...
Actually, my favourite story of Suzanne is of her getting up at my wedding and
reading a poem she wrote about me to everyone. My husband, who had been
quite nervous, actually turned to me at that point, and grinning, said “That is
so you!” (about the poem). That broke the ice for him and a few others like my
Mum, and left me feeling loved. — Kerry-Ann da Costa (Grizzle)
My favorite story about Suzanne is...there are so many, how does
one choose? I’ll go with these two:
Story 1: When Suzanne was attending law school in Miami we agreed to
meet at a bar / restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. The location was chosen as Marc
was flying in from NJ, and we wanted the reunion to be a surprise for Suzanne.
Suzanne entered the restaurant walking tall and looking absolutely gorgeous,
and every head in the place turned to watch this beautiful women walk past.
Wow!
Story 2: Another bar / restaurant memory. Merri, Suzanne, and I are sitting
with our backs to the bar. This is the early 1980s and I had below shoulder length
hair. Two guys approach the table and ask how we “ladies” are doing. I didn’t
really get that they were including me in their “ladies” greeting, so, thinking
they were addressing Merri and Suzanne, I said that we were doing fine, and
wondered why they were approaching us. Upon hearing my voice one of the
guys realized that we not all “ladies” and began to back away, but the other guy
pressed on with his banter. It was at this moment that Suzanne began laughing
hysterically, literally falling back on the bench seat and kicking her feet in the
air. I don’t think I have ever seen her laugh so hard. — Jef
My favorite Suzanne story is from that time when she and I
incited the police to follow us through a window in my office thinking that
we were breaking in. Suzanne was delivering things to put into the teachers’
mailboxes for Teacher Appreciation Week and had a lot to carry in; so I went out
to her car with her to help – as the door closed behind us, I realized that it was
locked and I did not have my key. Ever a problem solver, Suzanne saw an open
window in my office and suggested that I help her climb in. Harrison is a big
old building so it was pretty high. As I scooped her up, she climbed in and then
opened the door for me. As we were laughing about this in the outer office, we
heard a thump in my office and found that the police had climbed in after us.
(Some nosey neighbor had called the police about some crazy women breaking
into the school.) The two police officers wanted to know what we were doing in
the school. We were amazed at how fast both of them had gotten in through the
window as they stood with their hands on their holsters, demanding answers.
After the initial shock, we were able to convince them that I was the principal
and Suzanne was there helping me with gifts for the teachers. I still laugh when
I pass the front of that school and think about our “break-in”. — Pat Boland
A story about my friend Suzanne on her WHAT! Birthday. So, here
we are at Borders (which sadly is no more), Suzanne and I meeting for coffee
(or, for me, hot water). We talk about everything… life, kids, the state of the
world. Good stuff. The conversation naturally makes its way to books (we ARE
in Borders!). Books I’m reading, she’s reading, the kids are reading. We like to
exchange good ideas. I then say to Suzanne, “I just finished this book the other
night and I had to wake up Todd to discuss the ending (he’s never going to
read this book) because it made such a significant impression. I’m not saying I
recommend it and I can’t say more. But, you have to read it so we can discuss.”
Well, what I didn’t say, or I don’t remember saying, was that I was soooo
aggravated with the end of the book (actually, I think I alluded to that) that I
HAD to immediately discuss what total BS the ending was. I needed someone
else to read it and see if they had the same reaction.
It was a quick read. Very compelling. You are drawn in chapter after chapter.
Cared about these characters. Suzanne finished the book. Uh oh. She’s NOT
HAPPY. Phone call… “RHONDA, HOW CAN YOU TELL ME TO READ
THAT BOOK? THE END WAS TERRIBLE!” Now, did she speak in caps
lock? Probably, no, but that’s how I remember it! Will she let me forget that I
“recommended that book”? NO! Did I get to discuss what crap that ending
was with someone whose opinion I respect? YES! Mission accomplished (to
quote the great GWB, but I digress).
Truth be told, Suzanne has quite generously forgiven me for that torture I
inflicted. Right, Suzanne… you forgive me? And I will always appreciate that
you read it and commiserated with me.
So, for your birthday shall I recommend a new book? Maybe not! But I hope
that we will share many more impassioned discussions and maybe even some
critical reviews of our sons’ theatrical performances!
Thank you for being such a wonderful person and I feel lucky
to call you a great friend. — With love, Rhonda
Happy 50 th !
My favorite story about Suzanne is not a story but an image I have of
her. I was in the limo parked outside 11 Alcott in preparation to ride to Jill’s wedding in
Manhattan. When Suzanne appeared in her doorway she was absolutely stunning. I don’t
recall ever seeing a more beautiful woman to this day. Just don’t tell her I said that! — Dad
HERE’S MY FAVORITE STORY
Suzanne used to have a talent for getting under my skin. One time when I was
a teenager, and she was probably about 11 years old, she was in my bedroom
and I asked her to leave. With that mischievous twinkle in her eye she said
“no”. I argued and commanded to no avail. Finally I ordered her to get out
of my room. I want you to leave I said, “it ‘s MY room and MY bed, so get
off nd get out”
She calmly said “no , it’s not”
“What’s not?” I said, confused and getting angrier by the minute.
“It’s not your bed”
“What do you mean? ‘I asked
Suzanne smiled and said. “It’s not your bed, I Jewicized it MINE”
“You, what?!?” I asked
“Jewicized it.” said Suzanne.... “well, we are Jewish so I couldn’t Baptize it!”
That was it.. I had to resort to violence.
We should have known then that she would become a lawyer....
or at least it foreshadowed her propensity to make up Boggle words.
OK ONE MORE STORY:
ABOUT
SUZANNE
Once Suzanne decided to bake a chocolate cake from scratch. The recipe
called for one Tablespoon of vinegar and one cup of water. Suzanne was
moving quickly and put in a tablespoon of water and a cup of vinegar. She
had a friend visiting, and when the cake came out of the oven she graciously
served her friend a generous slice of the cake. Her friend, not wanting to
hurt her feelings, said “mmmm its good” So, Suzanne took a big bite herself.
and immediately gagged and spit the whole mouthful out in the sink.
“How could you eat that? she exclaimed.. and burst out laughing.
Suzanne can laugh at herself and doesn’t take herself all too seriously.
I am sure her next cake came out better... she only reversed the sugar with the
baking powder... love you Suzanne
— Alissa
My favorite Suzanne story is from when my mother, Edna, was turning 85 and I wanted to make a surprise party for
her. I mentioned it to Suzanne and all of a sudden, she took charge of the party! She insisted on having it at her house. She took care
of ordering all the food. She helped with sending the invitations. That party, held 19 years ago, was the greatest success! I have never
seen my mother so surprised. Suzanne even saw to it that her grandmother, my mother’s sister, Harriet, was there, all the way from
Florida. It took a lot of planning, and phone calls back and forth, but Suzanne did it, and she did it just exactly right. I could never
have accomplished it without her. ”. — Deanna
Let Me Tell You A Story About Suzanne!
A long time ago, when Suzanne and I were kids, we did a puppet
show at a birthday party --the specifics of which I don’t remember,
in terms of the story--but we created the dramatic parts, the puppets,
the scenery, the entire workings of it --out of our imagination. It
was a purely puerile moment which I treasure from my childhood.
And I remember Suzanne and I just having a lot of fun, in creative
activities, in those moments of make-believe--those pearls of joy,
remembered always. So, on the occasion of our 50th year --if we
all embrace those joyous moments that connect us to those we
love-- that’s all we need in this life--with a piece of birthday cake,
emboldened with the words:
Happy Birthday Suzanne!
50th
— Juliette Brown
suzanne mmmmmmmm
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
when she finds the humor in every day
things. her laugh is quite distinctive,
and most definitely infectious. - Char & John
when she...
forgets, forgets
and forgets
some more!!!!
- Madelaine
when she sings jingles from long forgotten commercials
(I’ll bet she’ll start singing one as she reads this.......) - Jeff
when she dances, especially
with her family. I love that
she doesn’t hold anything
back! She is a free spirit
on the dance floor and
I admire that! - Jackie Zohn
SUZ ANNE M AK ES
suzanne makes me
laugh when we play
boggle. it’s always
ridiculously fun and
filled with almost
uncontrollable laughter
by all. i can’t believe
how many words she
makes up - Marisa
when she is in the same room as me.
unfortunately that doesn’t happen
often enough. - Debbie Golden Farrell
WHEN SHE...(IN EFFECT) SHOOTS ME DOWN
WITH MY OWN BULLETS. THAT IS, TELLS
ME MY OWN JOKE BEFORE I CAN GET IT
OUT. (READS DADDY’S MIND???) - Dad
when she reminds me of how I
used to talk when I first met her.
She still teases me about this.
- Niranjan
US L AUG H
every time I speak to her.
- Kerry-Ann da Costa (Grizzle)
WHEN I CALL HER WITH
A QUESTION AND SHE
IS SO INVOLVED IN HER
WORK AND FLUSTERED,
SHE ANSWERS
EVERYTHING BUT MY
QUESTION. USUALLY
SHE CALLS ME RIGHT
BACK TO EXPLAIN
SHE DIDN’T ANSWER
MY QUESTION.
- Ivenchy Faife
Happy
Birthday
50th
SUZANNE!
We hope you have a wonderful birthday.
We haven’t seen you in a while but I have such very fond memories of you.
Whenever I picture you, I think of that beautiful smile that seems to radiate
happiness. It seems like a short time ago that we met you down in Miami
when you were in law school. Now here you are with grown children and
hitting a milestone birthday. It’s not so bad. I’ve been there for a few year!
— Love Ya, Cindy & Rich Andresen
I came across this photo of Suzanne
taken at a party in my apartment around 1985 which would put her at
the tender age of 23. She has a beer, her mouth is open but she is not
talking. This is a very familiar pose that Suzanne often strikes. Yet she is
capable of talking and often does so with enormous zest. — Rob Berkey
Since the day I met Suzanne I have laughed,
smiled and couldn’t help but say, “ Yes I’ll help you”. What that meant would
be breaking into temple after closing to get snack prepared for dozens of
kids before morning. It has meant sitting inside a closet counting Passover
orders, it has included countless moments of intrigue and surprises: like when
Suzanne came to Emma’s bat-mitzvah with the family in costume and me
not recognizing her in a blonde wig! I loved it when she said I’m having the
house party tomorrow, but the written invite said the day after. I show up
and I was the only one there! Oh, we go far back as our eldest children grew
up together at temple. Yes they were confirmed and graduated. After years of
our volunteering , I’m still laughing from all of the joy, laughter, and tears. By
the way I’m still waiting to see the pictures!!!!!!!! Suzanne is definitely not one
dimensional nor is she boring or lacking adventure. I just know that when
saying yes to Suzanne I need to put on track shoes in order to keep up with
her boundless energy and limitless determination. To know Suzanne is to love
her. That is exactly how I feel about my friend. I am honored to call her friend!
Suzanne, I wish you all the joy and happiness you bring to others! PS I still
have the singing teddy bear you gave me the night I spent my 40th birthday
at temple with you. Haha you are truly one of a kind!!!!! Love you — Shari
Suzanne has always been one to burn the candle
at both ends.
She must have been the inspiration for the multi-wick candle! We shared the
presidency of our sons’ elementary school PTA: the great and challenging
times we shared have bonded us for life. The first school family picnic we
pulled together with our brand-new Board… we didn’t even know each
other and yet we did the impossible together. Remember filling the teachers’
mailboxes with apples? The office smelled like an orchard the next morning!
The budget discussions with the principal: write you a check for how
much?? … priceless!! And the fun times: the best group of ladies to work
with…. our Board, Mad-Scientist Science night, Harrison School Birthday
Party PTA meeting, post-Basket Bonanza gifts for the school, playing card
games with you and Merri at the Basket Bonanza and watching our sons
graduate. Everything and anything is truly possible….(or at least seriously
considered) with Suzanne. Your zest for life and fun are contagious. I
was glad to be there to balance the tight-wire act and be a part of the wild
ride! Thanks Suzanne!!! Happy 5oth Birthday!! — Colleen Pisciotti
If Suzanne were a car, she would be a bumper car!
Why? Because while she might bump into you unintentionally (or on purpose)
you end up with a smile on your face! Suzanne, on the occasion of your 50th
birthday, I want you to know how much you are loved, and admired. Your
ability to remain positive under conditions that would devastate most is an
inspiration to those who are fortunate enough to watch you in action. And
your loyalty to and support of friends and family is a model for others to
follow. I feel extremely fortunate to have you as my sister in law and friend,
and I wish you a very happy birthday, and many many more!
- Love, your brother-in-law Je f
a WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY for your special day and always. May all your wishes come true! I always enjoyed spending time with you. You are a very charming, dynamic young lady and deserve the best. Hope to spend more fun times with you and your family. - Ver
If Suzanne were a color she would be RED for all the passion she possesses. - Madelaine
With LOVE for Suzanne on her Fiftieth Birthday
SUZANNE IS AMAZING.
She has a beautiful heart, an intelligent mind, and a playful spirit.
SHE LOVES TO LAUGH.
Suzanne has a demanding job, two special kids, and a husband who works
as many hours as she does; yet she is never too busy to listen to a friend, take
Oreo for a walk, help a child (hers or a friend’s) write a paper, make a costume,
find just the right prop for a play, pick up David’s college roommate at the
airport, or pitch in to help a Scout with a project.
SUZANNE IS A GREAT ❤MOM.
She helped her boys discover, develop, and take such pride in their unique gifts.
She taught them to seize adversity as an opportunity to make them stronger,
and even, as an opportunity to teach others. She has raised two confident,
sensitive, sweet and talented boys who are good friends to others and who
are poised to work hard and to enjoy all the gifts life has to offer. This is no
small accomplishment.
At work, Suzanne carries a heavy case load of litigation matters with all of
its deadlines and is relied upon heavily by her client and others at work for
her advice and counsel on many matters. She is as nice to the cleaning and
security staff s she is to her superiors. When multiple deadlines loom over her,
Suzanne keeps trudging along. She never gives up. She is a brilliant lawyer and
she is well respected by her colleagues.
Not surprisingly, Suzanne walks around a good bit of the time exhausted
beyond words. Yet, she will drive several hours on just two hours sleep to see
one of David’s plays, attend one of her nephew’s performances, or to sleep in
the freezing cold at one of Aaron’s Boy Scout camping trips.
With all that she has on her plate, she thinks nothing of taking on organizing
a book group, inter-faith hospitality week, Mitzvah Day at her temple, or her
latest undertaking, sitting on the Board of Trustees for Lawyers for Justice.
Friendship and community service are important to Suzanne. A sane person
would never take on these extra activities but Suzanne wouldn’t have it any
other way.
These are just a few of the reasons why most people who know Suzanne
describe her as amazing.
Suzanne has been a good friend to me --she extended her hand when I needed
a friend. I love to hear her laugh. I am proud and blessed to call her my friend
and my colleague.
- Love, Linda Day
Suzanne has been the sunshine in our lives these past 25 years.
She is the song in our heart and the bearer of happiness as long as we’ve known her. If the day is
gray, We know we can depend upon her to part the clouds and bring in a ray of light. She has
done more, and spent more time with her children than any stay at home mom. We can’t think
of a better mom. She has enriched all of our lives. — Rona and Sam Brummer
We love her!
Happy Birthday Suzanne! Suzanne is special because she has an
extraordinary capacity to love, to be there for her friends and family and to
see possibilities in everyone she meets. I met Suzanne when I became principal
of her sons’ elementary school, Harrison Elementary School in Livingston.
She was my first PTA co-president. I still can’t figure out how she had time,
but she made it! It was obvious from the first time I met her, that Suzanne
was bright and funny. We developed a good friendship over the years.
The depth of feelings Suzanne inspires is extraordinary. I still think about
the poem that Marc wrote and read to the whole parent group at Suzanne’s
last PTA meeting in her honor. She was there when I needed help, and her
interests have led us to book discussions, plays, and a lot of good conversation
over food over the years. She always makes me laugh because she sees
the funny side of life in almost any situation, even when she is exhausted.
Suzanne is like a master sculptor, molding her boys, David and Aaron, and her
friends into whatever they need to be. She never gives up and is always polishing
some aspect of their lives. You can always see something different whenever you
look at great sculpture and it never ceases to inspire.
Thank you, Suzanne! — Love, Pat Boland
In honor of Suzanne’s 50th birthday, I have never met
a woman who is such a devoted mother to her two beautiful children. She
symbolizes the essence of family values and education.
She is a formidable and brilliant attorney in a fast-pace work environment. I can
honestly say that I have had the pleasure of working for her these past years. Her
experience and personality is irreplaceable in the office and I only wish that she
carries on with the same passion and fire for years to come.
May you have a blessed 50th Birthday with love, happiness and good health!
— Marlene Perfeito & Family
Strong
sUperb
Zany
wArmhearted
iNcredible
Nice
Electric
— Love, Michael, Bonni and Karli
My Aunt Suzie is strong and she’s loud
She always stands out in a crowd
Silly songs she sings
and laughter she brings
To be family you know that I’m proud
Aunt Suzie is barrels of fun
kind-hearted and second to none
clown noses and feathers
her family she treasures
Happy Birthday - you’re fifty years young!
I love you to the moon and back! - Rachel
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUNT SUZIE!
How would I describe Suzanne? Well, she’s really smart and really resourceful. She’s funny and playful, and very good at the musical
game Encore, my favorite New Year’s Eve activity. She’s an athlete and a good sport. And she can always win at the card game Spit, so you know she’s
lightning fast. She’s loyal and honest, kind and thoughtful. She “gets” art and drama and human nature too. Suzanne is upbeat, cheerful, deep, and
good to everyone. She is a delightful friend and neighbor – a unique and wonderful person. Happy Birthday, Suzanne, and thanks for being you!
ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND FAMILY! - Sally Chernoff
What can I say, I lucked out in the sister department.
Suzanne is my younger sister and has always been my
playmate, my confidant, my defender, my cheerleader. I
love our daily phone calls, especially the ones where we
are both working away on our own separate projects with
the speaker phone on and not saying a word to each other
for long stretches of time, just pretending and wishing that
we were working in the same room together. My favorite
thing to do with Suzanne is laugh, like the time we played
Jack Clap, Queen Slap, King Touch Your Nose, Ace Meow at
midnight while our husbands were trying to sleep. Despite
their moans and groans, we kept on playing and laughing
and laughing til the wee hours of the morning. A laugh
is never as pure or as deep as when done with Suzanne!
I also love how dangerous it is to bring Suzanne and me
into a solemn event and have us sit next to each other....
guaranteed at some point we will revert to our ten year old
selves and find something humorous. The more we sense
that the other is suppressing a laugh the more we each
have to laugh.
Suzanne is the busiest woman I know yet she will
always, always make the time to help me out and
especially to help her nephews out. Being available
for family is absolutely a top priority for her...no
matter what, no convincing her otherwise...family
first...end of story. You can count on her, she will
defend you like no other. She has always been like
that. I remember when we were teens and I was in
trouble with my parents. She defended me to the
point that she drove our parents so totally crazy that
they forgot that they were ever angry with me. A
sign of her future in the legal profession.
Suzanne and I were always great friends. When we
were younger I would often use my older sister status
to dictate what games we should play. Whether
that would be marching around the neighborhood
with signs we made to advertise our latest event or
allowing me to be president of our current club, she
never complained and happily did as I asked. I don’t
throw around my older sister status any longer but I
do know that I can still count on Suzanne to happily
join in on any shenanigans I come up with.
My birthday wish for Suzanne is that she have the
time to play all that she wants to...especially with me!
— Love ya so very much, Merri
When I think of my Aunt Suzie, I can’t help but !
She is CRAZY and full of life,
S M
I L E
and when I’m with her I always have tons of fun! It is nearly impossible to be sad
around Aunt Suzie, because she knows exactly how to make you laugh! We’ve
had the best of times together, like when we invaded Aaron’s room and then
we all tried on his crazy rainbow afro wigs and then marched into David’s room
singing at the top of our lungs! Just being around Aunt Suzie makes me happy!
It is hard to describe how absolutely crazy, fun and totally fantastical my Aunt
Suzie is! Happy birthday Aunt Suzie!!!! I love you to the moon and back again!!!!
— Love, Beetlybop
Happy 50th Aunt Suzie (a.k.a. The Word Fluffer)!
The most fun, loving, joyful aunt ever, I couldn’t have
asked for a better one. No matter where we are if you’re around we’re
sure to be having fun in some way, whether it’s a boggle board or a
deck of cards, some random little toy or party favor, or even just your
big smile, laughs and good conversation. But beyond the fun parts,
you’ve also always been there to help me, letting me stay with you for
the summer when I interned in the city or especially whenever I had an
important paper to write (most likely calling you at midnight the night
before it was due) I always knew I could count on the great Word Fluffer
(as you have come to be known) to be there for me to edit my papers,
turning just OK papers into great ones. You are truly amazing at coming
up with the perfect words and ways to restructure my paragraphs,
although it was often a fairly daunting task to open up one of your
technicolored and crisscrossed word docs. I must say I learned a lot and
am a much better writer because of your help through the years, and I
can probably attribute a point or so of my GPA to you. — Love, Maxx
Thank
everything!
you for
Here’s to another great 50 years!
Happy birthday, Aunt Suzie!
Here's to another year f lled with fun, family, laughter,
celebration, costumes and boas, and lots of exuberant singing!
. . . and
many more!
— Love, Tovah
Cha Cha Cha!!!
Mom,
Since the day I met you I knew you were someone special.
You are the most happy person I know, having a smile on
your face no matter the situation (ok, maybe not when
you wake me up in the morning) and that enthusiasm for
life is infectious. You are also the most selfless person I
know, staying up for inhuman amounts of time to help your children
with work that should have been done two weeks before. That takes
dedication. If it weren’t for you I still would be filling out my college
applications (this is true no matter when this is being read). You do
everything for this family, entertaining us when we are bored with
games and jokes, feeding us when we are hungry and always pushing us
to do what we need to get done, even when it isn’t what we want to do.
When I think of you I can’t help but think of a mother bear protecting
her cubs. In the beginning of my marching band career I had forgotten
to hand in my permission slip. Mr. Hegedus refused to cooperate with
my attempts to get it in through other means such as you faxing a signed
slip to him so I called you for help. After first refusing to even speak to
you, your relentless badgering finally worked and he stepped into an
empty room, taking my phone. When he came back five minutes later
he was pale as a sheet with his eyes as wide as dinner plates. I think I
saw some white hairs I hadn’t noticed before as he stoically said that
everything was taken care of. I have never seen a grown man so scared
in my life. It’s impossible not to love you because you are truly the whole
package, a loving mother, prop supplier, terrifying protector, a fantastic
gin player, a permanently happy person and most of all, a great friend. I
love you mom.
— Sincerely, Aaron
I have tried, for days, to put down on paper what you mean to me.
I have tried sonnets,
haiku,
free verse,
prose,
and I continue and continue to fin that words,
those little jumbles
of scribbles and sounds,
are simply useless in this regard.
How can I capture the joy with which you filled my childhood?
Or the evergreen values you instilled in me,
Which inspire me to be a better person every single day?
What words and what phrases could in any way express
The strength you helped me to discover in myself?
And the love you give to everyone in your life?
And the herculean feats you willingly task yourself
Should anyone but ask?
This world is all the more beautiful,
And full of wonder and love,
With your presence in it.
And how can you put that on paper
?
How are you special to me? Words are all I have Mom, but for this I am bereft, there
are simply not enough, and those that exist are not fit to measure it.
I love you Mom. — David
If Suzanne were a piece of fruit, she would be...
eye!
an apple, because she’s the apple of my
I love Suzanne because...she makes me happy to be me. I’m a better person because of her. She makes me
a better husband, father, friend. She makes up for my flaws - I’m dour, she’s vivacious. I find everything that’s wrong,
she finds everything that’s right. I get caught up in minutiae, she always knows what’s important. I’m stubborn, she’s...
well, let’s skip this one. I write, she edits (and I could express myself better here if I could just let her read this and
discuss with her what I’m trying to say). We’re a team, she’s my best friend, and together, I feel we can do anything!
We have fun together, we laugh together, we tackle problems together, and care deeply for each other. She has her way
of making each day have meaning - every day is special because she finds its “specialness.” I can not imagine living
without her. What a great way to meander on life’s journey!
My favorite story about Suzanne is...Can there only be one story? Impossible! Trying to learn calculus
the night before her final exam from Ed Hanley in the lounge of our dorm freshman year...making David a cockatoo
costume from scratch for Halloween and his reaction - “They think I’m a chicken!”...the kids’ birthday parties and the
lengths she went (a bring-your-own-bulldozer party?!? - genius!) to make their birthdays absolutely magical...Getting
stuck on the West Side Highway in the middle of the night, her insisting on opening the hood, my derisive comment,
“What the heck do you think you’re going to find in there?,” and, son-of-a-gun, she finds
a loose wire and fixes the car...Looking at me with that big wide-eyed grin on our second
anniversary and exclaiming, “We’ve been married for years!”...Engaging me in a passionate
embrace after hanging out her shingle and saying, “How does it feel to kiss a corporation?”...
The college search process, her time and effort, and Skidmore and Temple both end up being
“afterthoughts”...Her eventually saying, “Yes!” on that bridge in the moonlight while I was
down on one knee...
Suzanne makes me laugh when she...can tell me exactly what I’m thinking
— Marc
totally
merri7385@gmail.com
203-217-3358
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