Miller, Susan Kessler, 70, of Ocean City, NJ passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at The Shores at Wesley Manor after a courageous eighteen month battle against acute myeloid leukemia.
Born August 11, 1944 in Washington, D. C., to Dr. Israel Kessler M.D., and Betty Isen Kessler, Susan excelled as a student. She graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, D. C., and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Susan next received her Master’s Degree at Temple University plus credits toward a Doctorate in social studies and counseling. Her academic credentials qualified Susan for a position as a guidance counselor in the Philadelphia School District at South Philadelphia High School where she retired in 2000 after thirty years.
On July 16, 1975, Susan met Fred, the love of her life, on the 14th Street beach where Fred was guarding bathers as a member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. In story-book fashion, they fell in love and shared the rest of their lives together. Susan and Fred bought their first house on Delancey Place in Ocean City in 1979. They moved to their home on Gull Road in 1989 which has become a cherished landmark of beach patrol alums and friends for its memorable seasonal gatherings. There, the many successes of the OCBP, including the women’s team, which topped Susan’s list of favorites, were annually recounted with appropriate enthusiasm.
Since their home was decorated with beach patrol and maritime memorabilia they had collected, Susan encouraged Fred to chronicle his collections and archives. This became the basis for their collaboration on numerous critically acclaimed books on Ocean City, particularly its beach patrol history and boardwalk lore. Altogether Susan and Fred authored nine books and published numerous newspaper and magazine articles of local historical interest.
Susan’s easy charm, bright intellect, and compassionate personality were welcomed in her many civic endeavors. Susan served on the Ocean City Zoning Board, the Ocean City First Night Committee, the Ocean City Garden Club, the Ocean City Flower Show Committee, the Exchangettes and as a lifetime member of the Ocean City Historical Museum. Many people shared their prayers and support during her ordeal and they were much appreciated.
Susan is survived by her loving husband, Fred. She is also survived by her sister Joan Kessler Okin, brother-in-law Allan Okin, sister-in-law Carol Miller Madera, and thirty-nine beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom showered us with their love and support throughout Susan’s valiant battle to live. Susan also drew strength and comfort from her Jewish faith of which she was very proud.
Friends are invited to attend services at Godfrey Funeral Home, 644 South Shore Road, Palermo, NJ on Friday, July 17th at 11 o’clock with visitation from ten o’clock until the time of her service. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in the names of Susan Miller and Bob Goodman be made to the Leukemia Program, Abramson Cancer Center, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104-9709. For condolences, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.
