Susan Braden Rhetts

Born and raised in Millburn and Short Hills, New Jersey, Susan was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. Jacob H. Oxman and Kathryn Grear Oxman. A strong student, Susan showed an early interest and aptitude for foreign languages. Inspired by a gifted teacher in high school, she went on to major in French at Smith College. Susan fell in love with France during her junior year abroad in Paris, during which she enthusiastically decided to pursue a career as a teacher of French language and culture. Susan proceeded to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Harvard University and then began a long and distinguished teaching career, the majority of which she spent at Breck School in Minneapolis. Subsequently, Susan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where she became the head of the foreign language department at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School. Throughout her career, Susan (“Madame” to her students) expertly schooled hundreds of pupils in proper French grammar and usage, sharing her passion for French culture – including music, art, and so much more. She took great joy in seeing them succeed - not just in French - but also in life.

From an early age, Susan showed a special talent for music, particularly singing. Susan was an avid member of a cappella groups in high school (the Millburnettes) and college (the Smithereens) and, for decades, a dedicated participant in her church choirs. Her other interests included travel, especially internationally, playing bridge, and regularly completing the Sunday New York Times crossword in ink in minutes. Prior to her illness, she remained close to her friends from Millburn High School and Smith College. She will be treasured in memory for her warmth, effervescence, flair for style, appreciation for art and music, eye for beauty in all things, love of language, and sense of fun.

Above all else, Susan was deeply devoted to her family, the source of her greatest joy. In addition to her daughter Braden, she is survived by her son-in-law Christian Mundigo and three grandchildren, Fisher, Ryker, and Marin, as well as her brothers David Oxman, Stephen Oxman, and Craig Oxman, and several sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

There will be private interment attended by immediate family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at:

https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/bradenrhetts/susan-rhetts

The family welcomes remembrances and anecdotes at [email protected]