Beloved Wife, Mother, Nana & Costume Designer
Susan “Susie” Bruggeman Adler of Rome, GA passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the age of 70.
Susie was born to Arthur & Dorothy Bruggeman on May 8, 1953, in Westfield, MA. The Bruggeman’s relocated to Rome, GA pursuing opportunities for career advancement with General Electric in 1956. Following Susie’s graduation from East Rome High School in 1971, she secured her Bachelor of Arts degree in Design, with a Minor in Theatre from North Georgia College in 1976. Following her dreams of pursuing a career in Theatre Arts, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts West in Los Angeles, CA. While in attendance she met and married the love of her life, the late Nathan Adler (d. 2018).
Expressing herself creatively through costume design, Susie’s passion fueled by her talent materialized into a successful and multi-faceted professional career spanning over five decades. While in Los Angeles, Susie rose through the ranks as a Wardrobe Assistant & Dresser and was ultimately promoted to Wardrobe Mistress for The Young and the Restless. Susie also enjoyed freelancing for many programs while in California, including Three’s Company, Kid’s Incorporated & The Carol Burnett Show. After welcoming two bundles of joy, the Adler’s decided to head back to Susie’s hometown of Rome, GA to raise their family. Upon arrival, Susie became involved in supporting visual & costume production at The Rome Little Theatre. Throughout the years, Susie flourished in bringing displays to life while inspiring customers who shopped in Hess’s, Proffitt’s and Belk’s Department Stores where she managed the visual departments. Susie had the opportunity to represent Atlanta with pride for the 1993 Super Bowl Halftime Show, and the 1996 Olympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies where she was elected as the Workroom Supervisor with Garland Riddle Design. Susie possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and a sharp business acumen as Owner of Thespian’s Attic off North 4th Ave. Additionally, she designed and manufactured the internationally distributed novelty costume “Tons of Fun”. After closing her store, Susie enjoyed working with developmentally disabled adults at Floyd Training Center serving as an Art teacher and instructor.
Susie was deeply cherished by many and will be remembered for her selfless Servant’s Heart, her Grit, and her Grace. She possessed a natural inclination towards caregiving, consistently prioritizing the needs of her loved ones and generously dedicated her time to serve others. Within the family, Susie stood as a resilient matriarch, exemplifying tenacity and courage in living her life authentically. While these qualities alone are commendable, what made Susie so extraordinary was the cornerstone of Grace that anchored her life. She never passed judgement upon others and consistently extended love, friendship & compassion to all.
Susie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dori and Daniel Bray of Adairsville, GA; her son and daughter-in-law, Artie and Brooke Adler of Cumming, GA; her stepson and daughter-in-law, David and Kay Adler of San Francisco, CA; and her 8 adoring grandchildren: Ellie, Donovan, Madi, Miles, Magnolia, Otis, Kennedy & Cohen.
Susie was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan of Rome, GA; and her mother and father, Dorothy & Arthur Bruggeman of Rome, GA.
A Celebration of Susie’s Life will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Daniels Funeral Home on E. 2nd Avenue in Rome, GA with calling hours from 11am-3pm.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5