Susan H. Neudel

Susan H. Neudel, 70, of Newton, MA, formerly of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024, with her loving family at her side.

Born in Portland, ME, Susan grew up in a close-knit Jewish community, surrounded by family throughout her life. She met her husband, Bob Neudel, at Camp Kingswood, and they married two years later. Susan spent 50 wonderful years with Bob, recently celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary. They eventually established roots in Albany, NY, with their two children, Joshua and Jana, becoming active members of the community and long-time members of Temple Israel. In Albany, Susan worked at the Albany JCC preschool and ran the Albany Academy extended day program until she could no longer work due to Multiple Sclerosis.

Despite her diagnosis, Susan continued to help others and support her family. Her kindness was often displayed through her passion for cooking for people and families who were sick. This led her to volunteer at her synagogue and the Ronald McDonald House of Albany for over 15 years. She started by baking, cooking, and talking to families and eventually helped establish and advise the Teen Board. She also launched and sustained their pull-tab fundraising program. Susan and Bob received honors from Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Pillars of the Community Award from the Friendship Circle for their significant and long-term positive impact on the families they served.

Susan cherished her family and made frequent trips back to Maine, especially to Old Orchard Beach, where her parents and extended family grew up, spending their summers. These trips included visits to places where she, her brothers, and cousins had worked during their summers growing up.

For Susan, family was always central to her life. With 2 siblings, 2 children, 4 grandchildren, 7 nieces and nephews, and 14 first cousins, she always found time for her loved ones. Susan is predeceased by her parents, Joseph Schatz and Beatrice (Baker) Schatz, and her niece Michelle. She is survived by her two loving older brothers, Bruce Schatz (Nancy) and Stanley Schatz (Sherrie); her beloved husband, Bob; her children, Joshua (Samantha) and Jana (Larry Burke); her grandchildren, Coby and Greyson Neudel, and Samiyah and Taniyah Burke; and her loving nieces and nephews, Eric, Karl, Jennifer, Randi, Enid, Edward and their families.

The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, at Temple Emanuel, Newton. The internment to follow at Congregation Beth-El Cemetery in West Roxbury.

Visiting hours following the interment will be held at 9 Rocklawn Road, Westborough, MA.

Shiva will also be held at the Golda Meir House, 160 Stanton Ave, on the 6th floor conference room.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Albany and the Amy Szlamowicz Higher Education Scholarship Fund at Temple Israel Albany in her honor.