Susanna Lesan

Susanna Lesan, 73, passed away on January 22, 2018 following a long illness. She was born June 11, 1944 in Dallas, Texas to Eloise Eubank Lesan and David Lesan. The family moved to Cos Cob in the early 50’s as her father was a writer of radio and television daytime dramas and needed to be close to NYC. Susanna attended and was a 1962 graduate of Greenwich Academy. She then pursued her lifelong love of books and literature at Carlton College in Minnesota, graduating in 1966. This led her to a career in publishing which she completed as Senior Development Editor for Pearson Prentice Hall, a college textbook publisher. Her final project before retirement was the textbook Psychology, used in the University of California system. The text she developed included a section on Alzheimer’s Disease, the illness she lived with in the final decade of her life. During its early stages, Susanna faced squarely its inevitable progression with courage and with a warmth and humor that she kept through her very last days. This was evident when she participated with ‘To Whom I May Concern’, an interactive theatre program designed for recently diagnosed dementia patients to share their stories and experiences.

Susanna had a strong, practical Christian faith. She was a member of Christ Church, Greenwich, and served in several capacities, ranging from the Stephen Ministry to driving an elderly friend to weekly services. Her natural curiosity and love of learning meant that a discussion of theology or faith with her would be challenging and thought-provoking. She lived in New York City for many years and had a strong interest in opera (Wagner’s Ring Cycle was a favorite), theater, classical music, foreign films and The Beatles. She had no need for, and rarely used, a television while living in Manhattan. She cultivated lifelong friendships and could count close relationships that were decades-long and treasured by those involved. Susanna was also an animal lover and, though growing up with dogs, upon retiring adopted two cats whom she adored. Susanna is survived by her sister, Amanda Lesan, of Berkeley, California. She has left behind scores of people who knew her as a constant and faithful friend who could be counted on to comfort, challenge, support and walk with them through their most difficult times. She left the world better than she found it and will be remembered with her ready smile and fulsome laugh. On Saturday March 3, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Christ Church Greenwich (254 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich), there will be a Celebration of Life service for Susanna. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association - CT Chapter (www.alz.org/ct/in_my_community_donate.asp) or to ‘To Whom I May Concern’ (www.towhomimayconcern.info/donate/).