I sent the following letter to The Globe,  after reading the story of "Miss Parker's " passing.
Thank you for your beautiful and informative obituary and life summary of my favorite teacher and role-model. 
As a 1965 graduate of Newton High School, I had the incredible good fortune to have "Miss Parker" as my English teacher in both 1962-63 and in 1963-64. I remember my surprise and joy when she became Mrs. Bloom.
I often wondered what became of the woman who introduced me to Sophocles, Shakespeare,  Gallico and Edgar Lee Masters, as I moved on through Northeastern, earning my bachelor's in Education, English/History.
Though I didn't teach until later in my life,  I had a professional career centered around writing and I have always felt my love of writing and the power of words was ignited by "Miss Parker",
In my teenage brain I'd refer to my favorite teacher as "Suzy Parker" because i found her as glamorous and sophisticated as the famous model and cover girl. I have a strong memory of her twinkle and her passion for literature and life. 
I also rememberthat awful autumn day when, shaken,  she told our class that the president had been shot. 
I read her obituary in my digital edition of The Globe,  tripping over it as I checked my email on a sleepless night here in Southwest FL. Could this Susan Bloom be MY Susan Parker Bloom? Was she a mere 8 years older than I when she was my teacher? Oh my God,  it is! And look at all she accomplished-- look at the life she lived,  the permanent mark she made on so many -- students and family alike. 
Thank you for giving this remarkable woman,  educator and role-model such a beautiful send- off, which rekindled so many spectacular and formative memories for me. 
Clearly, her legacy lives on. 

Dear Johanna, Bob and family,

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time...

Susan was always a joy to talk to, her love, strength and joie de vivre evident in every  conversation....

May you draw strength and courage from your many happy memories...

With Love,
Paul D.

I was looking up Newberry award winning books when I saw Mrs. Blooms name on the committee members list and further searching brought me to the sad news that she had passed. I have many memories of almost magical birthday parties where Mrs. Bloom demonstrated her creativity in make your own dollhouse activities, shiny cloud purses, and black light dance parties. Even a simple lunch at a play date was a thing of beauty.   So sorry for your loss Johanna, but I have enjoyed reading the many other ways your mom was amazing.  You were loved by an amazing woman. 

I have many fond childhood memories of birthday parties and play dates at the Bloom's home.  Mrs. Bloom always had marvelous style, with her long denim skirts, cool jewelry and curly hair. I was fascinated by their greenhouse with an array of tropical plants, their beautiful art, and the wonderful collection of photos of Johanna throughout their home. I remember Mrs. Bloom teaching us to make French bread one time.  So sorry for your loss Johanna. Sending love. Xo

Tonight I shall raise a glass to Susan...so warm, so funny, so smart...and I will give thanks for the privilege of being in her benevolent orbit at 300 The Fenway for just a little while...because the afterglow has lasted decades and will not cease with her departure....but rather grow... brighter still.

Sincerely,
Christine  Nolan


     While we were not able to attend her funeral, we will always treasure our memory of Suzie.  She was only two years older than me and the wife of my favorite Uncle David who passed on a few years ago.  

     Suzie was the most articulate person I have ever known and always chose her words slowly and carefully such that they had perfect meaning.  She made original and artistc choices whether in carefully selected wedding plans, jewelry, home decor, or her delightful foods. For example in executing her daughter Johanna's wedding, she hired a local sculptor to create an enormous ships mast bust of Johanna as a surprise that resided with Johanna for many years.

     She was an especially thoughtful host and caretaker who extended her welcome to us when my father died during the week of his funeral.  She insisted on metculously preparing an unforgettably delicious dinner and breakfast on the following morning which was truly welcomed during our hours of grief.  The following evening we had a sumptuous lobster dinner with David and Suzie at Legal Seafood in Framingham to honor my father.

      And again at the time of my beloved younger sister Jackie's death a few years back, Suzie extended her warmth, love and friendship staying by Jackie's side in hospice, waiting for me and waiving me on by phone while my daughter Hilary and I made the over two hour drive from the Rhode Island airport to Jackie's location in Connecticut. When we arrived late, and tired, Suie was there to greet us with hugs, smiles, and kisses for which I will always be grateful for it somehow lessened the burden of Jackie's impending death.

      Thankfully, I had two marvelous conversations with Suzie a week before her death.  She was so clear headed, well spoken, and intelligent that her death actually took me by surprise.  I thought she would live on for awhile longer, but she will always live on forever in my heart and mind and memory of her beautiful soul.

     Phyllis and Bill Meiners

I remember Susan picking vegetables in the garden that bordered the woods where I played. Sappho was usually by her side. Each day I'd walk home from school through the woods that bordered her yard and if she was there we'd chat -and she would greet me (and everyone!) with her beautiful smile and lively eyes. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to Johanna and her family, 

OBITUARY

Susan Parker Bloom

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