Susan Bookbinder

Born in Brooklyn NY, she met her soul mate, Art, whom she married in 1970. They worked and lived in NYC for 40 years, and then moved to Naples FL, where they happily lived for 25 years. Sadly, Art passed away in 2020.

Susan began her career at Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust (Mani-Hani) as a computer programmer. She found her true calling when she became a Human Resources executive, rising to the level of Vice President. She had a profound effect on scores of employees throughout her career.

After coming to Naples, Susan became active in many non-profits. She & Art were the founders of The Lighthouse of Collier. Last year, Susan made a transformative contribution to fund The Lighthouse in perpetuity.

Art & Susan received awards from Temple Shalom, and the Jewish National Fund. Last year, Susan was honored as one of Hadassah’s Inspiring Women.

Susan heard that many young people in Israel, who have graduated from high school and are physically or mentally challenged, cannot be accepted into the Israeli army. Susan made a large monetary gift, and today the Bookbinder Family Foundation building stands as a testament to her. Many disadvantaged youth are now inducted into the Army, and have become productive members of society.

Susan is an active supporter of The Gulfshore Playhouse, The Russian Cultural Center, the Naples Community Orchestra, Artis-Naples, Opera Naples, The Grand Piano Series, The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and many others. She sat on the Boards of The Lighthouse of Collier, The Naples Community Orchestra, and The Jewish National Fund.

Susan also left her mark on the Contemporary Fiction Group of the Women’s Cultural Alliance, which is affiliated with The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. She led this group for fifteen years.

Susan was a remarkable woman, and a dear friend. She said “I never met a person I didn’t like”. She really meant it! Whether or not she knew you, when she saw you, or met someone new, she greeted them with one of her famous, huge hugs. She will be greatly missed. She was truly “a woman of valor” - someone who makes the word change.

Donations in Susan’s honor can be made to The Lighthouse of Collier, or to The Jewish National Fund. The websites of each are available through the usual browsers.