Obituary: Jackie Sussman

Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandra Altman Sussman, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt, passed away on February 3, 2025, at 1:00 AM in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 82. Born on January 13, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, to Irving Altman and Ruth Kass, Jackie did not meet her father until he returned from his service in Japan during World War II and the occupation force in 1946.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s call to service, she joined the Peace Corps in 1964 and was stationed in Liberia. She went on to become a special education speech pathologist in the Bronx public schools, working with nonverbal autistic children through assisted communication.

While earning her master’s degree at Xavier University in New Orleans, Jackie worked with underserved communities and continued that commitment throughout her life. She volunteered as a teacher in Israel (on kibbutzim), Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and China, always seeking ways to support and educate those in need.Harold and Jackie Sussman

Jackie was also an avid runner, averaging over five miles a day into her 80s, until a recent injury and subsequent complications led to her passing. She had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed painting and drawing in her free time.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Harold Sussman; her sister, Sarah Altman; her four children, Samara, a teacher, Tamatha, a gynecological surgeon, Clifford, a psychiatrist, and Bradford, a lawyer; and seven cherished grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 1652 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY, followed by burial at New Montefiore Cemetery in Long Island. Shiva will be observed at 17 Hearthstone Circle, Scarsdale, NY 10583, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish National Fund to plant trees in Jackie’s name or to Magen David Adom in her memory.