John Bligh
- Retired school secretary
- Beach Channel HS, Queens
Susan Berman Levine believed in celebrating the special moments. That’s one of the things Gloria Slosberg remembers about their time working together as secretaries at Beach Channel HS in Queens before Susan’s retirement in 1999. She also worked at PS 207 in Queens.
“She was a very upbeat person, always smiling,” Slosberg said. “We celebrated birthdays, weddings and bar mitzvahs.” Susan ran all the social activities at the school, always inviting staff for a slice of cake. “She took care of everyone,” said Slosberg.
Susan, 79, died of coronavirus on April 20.
“The UFT was a huge part of our family life,” said her daughter, Ellen Wasserman. Susan, a school secretary for 25 years, was a union member for more than 40 years and her first husband, Jerry Berman, “was an active member as a union rep in the Brooklyn office,” said their daughter.
Susan was a payroll secretary, so “everyone knew her,” Wasserman said. “She always had a smile on her face and never got overwhelmed with this tremendous job she had.”
Bill Langweil, a retired school counselor at Beach Channel, remembered Susan as a very happy person. “That made it a pleasure to go into work,” he said. “She used to talk about her family and grandchildren, and she made you feel like you were part of the family.”
Wasserman said Susan’s greatest love was her family and when she moved to Florida, she loved being visited by her children and grandchildren. When her first husband died after 46 years of marriage, she met and wed Murray Levine. They were married for 11 years.
“She was a very lucky woman who was loved by two wonderful men,” Wasserman said.
Susan served as the vice president of the Cancer Care chapter in Howard Beach, Queens, and the vice president in charge of fundraising for the Sisterhood of Howard Beach Judea Center, where she ran the annual fashion show.
Travel was one of Susan’s favorite pastimes and Maine and Branson, Missouri, were two of her favorite destinations with Berman. She also organized group weekends to jai alai in Connecticut every year that were attended by more than 60 friends. A nine-week cross-country trip when their children were young was a “highlight in my family’s life,” said her daughter.
In later years, Susan went on many cruises, where she enjoyed playing games of chance.
“She was so much fun to be with,” said Wasserman. “If you were with my mom you were surrounded by love and laughter.”
In addition to her daughter and her second husband, Susan is survived by her son, Ira Berman, and his wife, Jennifer; her son-in-law, Alan Wasserman; her grandchildren, Zachary and Jacob Wasserman and Austin Berman; her stepchildren, Robert Levine, Robin Gensburg, and her husband, Will, and Jill Asrael and her husband, Joel; and her step-grandchildren, Stephanie and Matthew Gensburg and Rose and Noah Asrael.
Condolences may be sent to
Ellen Wasserman
16 Old Field
Roslyn, NY 11576
Sue was a sweet lady. You always felt included with her. She challenged you to contribute your talents to whatever she was doing. Model for the fashion show, sing a song, help choreograph the Channelettes. Her wry sense of humor with whispered choice words would have you laughing no matter how you may have felt before you approached her office. She tried her very best and made time for you. She didn’t always get it right but if she didn’t know something, she’d ask until she got the info needed. Okay, she forgot to tell me that I was entitled to another two weeks maternity leave, but I survived. And no one could ever be angry with Sue. Everyone loved her. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you Marji for your kind words that brought a smile to my face.
Sue was a wonderful, generous and caring person. It was a pleasure to work along side her during my years at Beach Channel (1988-2007). May she rest in peace.
My Husband Robert Peck and I have known Susan for many years as Her lovely daughter and family work together with Robert. Susie was always so much Joy!! I guess that’s where Ellen & Sons got their happy smiles! We were very happy to know Susie. May she Rest In Peace.
I had the pleasure of helping to care of Susan Berman Levine while she was in the assistant living at the Brandywine for about 2 years, I can say that she was a very loving woman, she lived for her husband Murray and adored her daughter Ellen and her grandsons and son as well. She was always very happy to see me in the mornings and would tell me how much she appreciates me. She was very loving and kind to everyone. Like the flowers that she would put in her hair every day, stay beautiful and fly free, I miss you very much.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss my sincerest condolences. I worked at Beach Channel HS from 1993 until it closed as an Art teacher and Senior/Yearbook advisor. Susan was one of my all time favorite people. Always helpful, caring and willing to help with last minute problems.
We shared many laughs together (daily) and she mad Beach Channel not just a school but a family.
I think about her often and the many fun times we had together. God Bless!
I’m so sorry for the family’s loss. I first met Sue in 1990 when I started working at BCHS. We became
colleagues and also friends. She has left her mark in everyone that knew her. She never met a stranger! May she RIP!