Susan Dyckman Tuttle

Susan “Shoshi” Tuttle 1935-2017 Lifelong learner, avid reader, poet, and lover of spicy ethnic food, Susan “Shoshi” Tuttle, 81, passed away on May 11, 2017 from complications related to COPD. Born in Boston to W. Norris and Gwenyth Tuttle, she attended Concord Academy of Concord, MA and High Mowing School of Wilton, NH. She spent a year studying German in Stuttgart and received a BA in German and Philosophy from Boston University. Showing her brave and adventurous side, Susan moved to Berkeley, CA in the late sixties where her younger brother Peter would soon follow to start his family. She studied to be an electrical technician and working during the early years for the BART system. In the late 1970’s, she converted to Judaism, chose the name Shoshana “Shoshi” Mier, and became a member of UC Berkeley Hillel. In the 1980’s and 90’s, Shoshi ran a small business called A Writer’s Friend to assist Cal students, local residents, and businesses with their editing needs. She completed additional coursework in copy and technical writing through UCB Extension and San Jose State. During this time, Shoshi volunteered with the adult literacy program of the Berkeley Public Library. Driven by her love of cooking and community, Shoshi participated in a weekly open potluck called the Lunch Bunch at Berkeley’s All Soul’s Parish serving seniors and the homeless. She also volunteered each week for Alta-Bates’ Tele-Care Project, reaching out to those living alone while homebound, disabled, or convalescing from illness. Continuing her education long into retirement, Shoshi studied anthropology at UC Berkeley Extension and Cal State East Bay. Prior to moving into senior housing, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to India. Throughout her life, Susan/Shoshi wrote poems and short stories. She was published in various journals, most recently in a 2016 publication of the Hayward’s B-Street Writer’s Workshop. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother. She is survived by her sister-in-law Kathy, nephew Ethan (wife Lilia), niece Abby (wife Alexa), great niece Madeline, and beloved teddy-bear Boomer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Doctor’s Without Borders. The Tuttle’s wish to thank Shoshi’s longtime caregiver, Susanna DeJesus, her organizer, Jennise Mendoza, and her physician, Dr. Michael O’Brien for their endless compassion and support.