Susan Duchin Derby

She was born on February 4, 1940, in Cambridge, MA to Dr. Benjamin and Lillian (Duchin) Slate. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Rabbi Matthew Derby of Malden, MA, who predeceased her in 1984. Together, they had three children, Frank (Deanna), Lani, and Michael (Karen). Susan later became Bobi to three adored grandchildren, Lilly (Jon), Matthew, and Gavriella, and one beautiful great-grandson, Grayson.

During marriage and motherhood, Susan worked diligently towards her bachelor’s degree, graduating from the University of Tennessee the same year her oldest child turned sixteen. After Matthew’s passing, she moved to Jacksonville, knowing no one, and with her youngest child in tow. Here, Susan made a new life while working for twenty years as a social worker at area nursing homes and, during the AIDS crisis, at Community Hospice. She was a longtime member of Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

Between Cambridge and Jacksonville, Susan lived in Okinawa, Japan; Somerville, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Knoxville, TN; and Athens, GA. She loved reading, the arts and travel, but being with family and friends was her greatest passion. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Susan had beautiful skin and an infectious smile that, when it reached her eyes, lit up an entire room (and when it didn’t, terrified her children). Beloved by many, and feared by a few, Susan also leaves behind her wonderful baby brother, Lester (Patricia) Slate, her favorite niece Andrea (Brent) Daily, and her favorite nephew Donald (Elizabeth) Slate and their children, as well as lifelong friends Susan Goldberg Shuman (Stanley) and Elaine (Bob) Stogsdill. Her childhood friend Berta Brooks Axelrad predeceased her.

During her illness, Susan most recently made her home at River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged. There, the wonderful staff made her welcome, safe, and comfortable, and many staff members became her friends, not least because she frequently had candy and a laugh to share.

Susan will be laid to rest in Sharon, MA. The family asks that contributions be made in her memory either to Community Hospice, https://www.communityhospice.com/, or River Garden, https://rivergarden.org/ .