Susan Ellen Rothbart

Born in Jersey City, NJ, and raised in North Bergen, NJ, Susan was the beloved daughter of the late Murray and Dorothy Jarow. She attended Weehawken High School (1958 graduate) and Lasell Junior College in Auburndale, MA (1960 graduate), and later returned to New Jersey to manage the family business, Murray’s Fabric Center in Union City. With pride and creativity, she worked closely with local school districts, coordinating and designing uniforms for the drum and bugle corps—efforts that left a lasting impression on the community.

Susan was the devoted mother of Karin Bruno (Ralph) and Hillary Starr (Robert), with whom she shares with her first husband, Neil Davis. She was also the cherished grandmother of Mia Bruno and Madison Starr, who brought her immense joy. Susan was a caring presence in the lives of many extended family members and friends. She spent over twenty years with her second husband, Milton Rothbart, and is survived by her brother, Fred Jarow.

She lived in Forest Hills, NY from 1961 to 1967 and raised her daughters in Rockland County, NY from 1967 to 1976. She eventually settled in Fort Lee, NJ, where she enjoyed the stunning view of the New York City skyline from her apartment. Susan resided at Tappan Zee Manor, an assisted living facility in Nyack, NY, for the past eleven years, where she received exceptional care. A chocoholic at heart and a spirited lover of sports—especially table tennis—Susan’s zest for life was apparent in everything she did. In her youth, she especially enjoyed riding horses during summers at Camp Alamar, fond memories she often recalled with a smile. In her late teen years she spent her summers in Peekskill, NY at Shustin’s Locust Manor where she worked as a summer camp counselor. In her 20s, she loved spending summers at Cutler’s Bungalow Colony in Monticello, NY (1964-1966).

Above all else, Susan was a deeply generous and compassionate person, always eager to help others in any way she could. She was devoted to her family and spoke of her loved ones often and with great pride, holding their accomplishments and happiness close to her heart. A devoted daughter, a nurturing mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend, Susan touched the lives of many with her kindness and unconditional support.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, 12:00 PM at Beth El Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845) 356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors