Susan L. Karelitz

It is with profound sadness that we share Susan Karelitz of Wellesley and Mashpee, MA, formerly of Wayland, passed away surrounded by family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Susan is survived by Neal, her adoring husband of 45 years; their three sons, Jonathan (Melinda), Bradley (Cara), and Gregory (Amberly). The ultimate “boy mom,” she welcomed her daughters-in-law as her own. She leaves her grandchildren, Julia, May, Evelyn, Zachary, Mari, Rosabel, Summit, and Hadley. She is also survived by her siblings, Diane Scanlan, Barbara Mironov, and Richard Lichtenberg; her mother-in-law, Jane Karelitz; and their many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Alan and Elaine Lichtenberg, and by her father-in-law, Stephen Karelitz.

Sue graduated from Tufts University, where she met Neal during their freshman year and fell in love. Sue went on to earn her Master’s degree in social work from Boston College and threw her entire heart into her work on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Child and Family Services. After leaving her work as a social worker, Susan dedicated over 40 years to The Boston Children’s Hospital League. The League is dedicated to raising funds for Boston Children’s Hospital to bring comfort and smiles to children and their families during some of their hardest times. Her passion for the League became a fundamental part of the person she was. She went on to serve a term as President of the League and as a Trustee of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Beautiful inside and out, Susan never met a stranger. She loved hours on the phone with friends and family, listening closely and always seemed to know just what to say. Her gentle, steady presence and irrepressible optimism made people feel cherished. Her warmth and generosity knew no bounds; when someone needed her, she showed up with her whole heart and a big, beautiful smile.

For over 20 years, Susan faced her significant health challenges with extraordinary courage and grace. She met each setback with determination, never surrendering, even when the odds were against her. To those who knew her and loved Susan, she was the most loving “Warrior” they had ever met.

Susan’s family was the center of her world. Her happiest moments were rooted in togetherness: Family gatherings over Chinese food, holidays celebrated around a full table, and talking, laughing, and being with the people she loved most. Rarely did Susan miss the grandchildren’s flag football, soccer, gymnastics, recitals or plays. She treasured being Nana above all else to her eight grandchildren.

Weekends on Cape Cod at their Mashpee home were filled with time spent at the beach, backyard pool, or cruising on the boat. Her favorite time was when grandchildren would jump into their bed on a Sunday morning to watch cartoons or just snuggle with Nana and Papa!

A funeral service will be held at Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA, on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road (Route 126), Wayland, MA.

Shiva will be held at Belmont Country Club, 181 Winter Street, Belmont, MA, following the services until 5:00 p.m., and will continue Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Boston Children’s Hospital League at www.childrenshospitalleague.org/donate