Gayle Beth Sussman

Gayle Sussman died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 9, 2024 at her home in Ridgewood, NJ. Born in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Liberty, New York where she met her future husband Robert in the 4th grade. She was a graduate of the State University of New York in Albany where she received her teaching degree. A life-long teacher and educator, she began her career teaching middle school English and reading in Ellicott City, Maryland. Upon moving to New York City, she taught reading to adults at the Federation of Employment and Guidance Service, a philanthropic organization. After moving to Ridgewood, and beginning a family, she resumed teaching at the West Side Nursery School in Ridgewood, eventually becoming its Director, retiring after a 30-year career there in 2013. An avid reader, she was an active member of a neighborhood book club for over 40 years. She loved to paint, particularly in the mediums of watercolors and Chinese brush strokes, but often exploring new mediums. She also loved dogs, raising Golden Retrievers for many years and then Leonbergers. Gayle is survived by her husband of 56 years Robert, her son Jeffrey, daughters Amy Sussman (husband Mark von Holden), Rachel van der Meer (husband Nic), daughter-in-law Sigrun Kvaran, grandchildren Soffia and Robert Sussman, Aiden von Holden, and Logan, Mackenzie and Phoenix van der Meer, sisters Lynn Sabatelle (children Buzzy and Dane Napoli), Michael Sabatelle and Kim Russo. She was predeceased by her brother Charles Sabatelle. Loved for her kindness, loyalty, compassion, good humor and caring nature, she will be sorely missed. Donations in Gayle’s memory can be made to Planned Parenthood.