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Susan Wehle Obituary
Wehle, 55, had been cantor at Temple Beth Am in Williamsville, N.Y., since November of 2002 and went well beyond her duties of singing religious songs there, said David Berghash, the temple's president.
She also paid sick visits to hospital patients and worked to get other faiths involved in the region's religious community, he said.
Berghash said she was "loved by every congregant here and she will be sorely missed."
Before Temple Beth Am, Wehle was the cantorial soloist at Temple Sinai in nearby Amherst for 9½ years. She taught musical and spiritual workshops, conducted youth and adult choirs and performed in concerts in the United States, Canada and Israel.
Wehle lived in Amherst. She is survived by her two sons, Jacob and Jonah Mink. Jacob is currently in Vermont and Jonah is in Israel, Berghash said.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
108 Entries
February 12, 2013
To know you was to love you ?
Diane Zwolinski Staunton - U.B. Theatre Department Buffalo, NY
Caitlin Neumann
September 9, 2012
I miss you, and love you. You're still in my heart. It's never been the same without you.
Sam G
June 12, 2012
3 years ago I was stunned and saddened to hear of Susan's death. I just found this page and it's not too late to add to the many voices here. I acted with Susan in my first NYC play, which toured for several weeks. It was immediately evident that she was a bright soul who brought more light into the world. We stayed in touch until she left the NYC area. It's wonderful to know that so many people benefited from her talent and personality, and heart-wrenching that she's no longer with us. May all who mourn her be inspired by her example.
Mindy Goldberg
December 24, 2009
It has been years since Susan and I were last in contact. I just learned of Susan's untimely death today. Though I left Buffalo years ago, I remember hearing of the crash and wondering whether I knew anyone who perished in the tragedy. Ironically, I have been thinking about Susan in the past few months and thinking of trying to contact her.
Susan was an energetic person and a dear friend. My heart goes out to Jonah and Jake, as well as the rest of Susan's family, blood or otherwise. The world suffered a great loss with Susan's death.
How you can show support
Brian Wright
November 30, 2009
Nice person. Full of life and fire. So sad.
Lorraine Sutera
March 11, 2009
To All of Susan Wehle's Family:
I grew up with Susan. She lived across the street from me in Floral Park, New York. She was a wonderful, happy person then and continued to touch many lives. My sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
Lois Anneler
February 22, 2009
Jonah and Jake, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences to you in the untimely loss of your vivacious, talented mother.
Carol & Cliff MacDonald
February 21, 2009
Susan was wonderful helping our son David prepare for his Bar Mitzvah. Her beautiful voice, smile and kindness were an inspiration to everyone she met. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Elayna Ratchford-Buyer
February 21, 2009
I remember when I started my coversion process & one of the rabbi's teaching our class said we should go temple shopping.
From the moment that I stepped into Temple Beth Am, I was greeted by a woman named Susan. I found out later that she was the canter.Then I found out that she lived right around the conner from me.
She convinced me once to join a special chior that she was putting together to sing songs writen by a famous visting cantor. While we were practicing there was one number I was having a great deal of trouble trying to sing. I wasn't sure of the right key to sing it in. Susan noticed this and said " stand by me and sing what I sing and you'll do just fine." Now when I hear this song, I always think of that moment. Because she was right, with her help I was able to sing the right notes through out the whole song. Thank you Susan for touching my life and being an inspiration and a blessing not only to me but to all the people that have ever had the pleasure of meeting you and being in you presence. I will turly miss you. Elayna
Martin Sadoff
February 20, 2009
She came and sang for my dad during his last days a year ago.
She walked into the room, and instantly it would light up.
I can't believe it happened to her.
I think about her and miss her so much.
Melissa Lazar
February 20, 2009
Please accept my deepest condolences on your tragic loss. Susan radiated warmth and love. She was joyous. She was truly an exceptional woman and I am fortunate to have known her. She lived well, cared deeply, and loved without limit. May Hashem grant you strength as you mourn this terrible loss.
Randi Pollina
February 20, 2009
When we close our eyes, our family should not see what we have lost in Susan's tragic passing, but what we have gained by having her in our lives. She was an amazing friend who led our family through our miracles and grieving moments. She helped us laugh when we felt we did not have a laugh left and helped wipe our tears away with her everlasting voice, warm heart and embracing smile. She let us know G-d had his plans in life. With the strength of family and friends, we will be able to dedicate our lives with "her" wisdom, beauty and live a whole life. She will be sadly missed by our entire family.
Randi and David Pollina and Family
Michael Buyer
February 19, 2009
Susan will be missed. She taught my wife Hebrew songs as she continues her conversion to Judaism. She always smiled and extended her hands in greeting whenever she spoke to you. Her light will shine in the night sky.
Deborah, Bill & Mikaela Mahaney
February 19, 2009
We will truly miss Susan’s smile and laugh, her songs will always remain in our hearts.
Christie Zygmunt
February 19, 2009
I am a nurse for a non-profit agency in Derby, New York and had the honor of meeting Cantor Wehle at a wonderful memorial service for one of our clients a few years ago. Although I am a member of a non-denominational Christian church , on hearing her sing her heart felt devotions to God, I was truly touched to the depths of my soul. I am so sorry for your loss- I can only imagine how deep the void. God bless all of you.
Hannah Friedler
February 19, 2009
I have known Susan since our folk dancing days at UB, some thirty five years ago. Our paths have crossed and paralelled through the years. Personally I will miss our talks and that special sense of history that our friendship meant to me.Susan brought a breadth to our Jewish commuity in a philosophical, spiritual, and artistic way that few people have. Susan's absence will be deeply felt. With my husband, Mark Sokoloff, and daughter, Rachel, I send my heartfelt condolences to Susan's family and friends.
Rabbi Diane Elliot
February 19, 2009
Susan was a light and a blessing to all who knew her. I'll never forget how movingly she sang at her ALEPH ordination in Boulder several years ago, dedicating the piece to her parents' memory. The enthusiasm and delight with which she collected new Jewish liturgy was contagious. What a shock and sadness to lose her so suddenly. May her family, friends, and the communities she served so generously and lovingly find comfort and peace, even as we all cherish her memory in the weeks and months to come.
The Sokoloff Family
February 18, 2009
Our thoughts have been with Susan and her beloved family since hearing about her passing. We will always remember her beautiful rendition of Sunrise Sunset at our son's wedding. Susan brought great love and warmth no matter where she was. Whenever we met her in Toronto her sons were No. 1. Susan you will be missed by many throughout this universe.
Gail and Larry Cohen
February 18, 2009
We are still shocked by the tragic and untimely passing of Susan. Anyone who met her could feel her spirituality and see her love for life. Her smile was infectious. She was truly a special person who made both children and adults feel warm and comfortable around her. This is a terrible loss to her family and friends, Temple Beth Am and the Buffalo community as a whole. This world is a better place because of Susan. Our deepest condolences to her family. We know her smile and beautiful voice will live on in all of us.
Amy Melton (formerly Prentiss)
February 18, 2009
While I did not know Susan well, I do know that she had a profoundly positive impact on many, many people in our community. I cannot picture her in my mind without her bright smile that exuded such warmth and caring. Susan has left a permanent legacy in the world through her constant practice of tikkun olam. My condolences to her family and close friends.
Suzie Lyon
February 18, 2009
Susan and I spent many hours talking about life, and how, while sometimes one has to take control and make it happen, there are powers greater than we are that has other plans. She was adamant that I would find my beshert after all the pain, and she was right. When I shared my news with her, she was so genuinely happy for me. I will think about hiking in Israel with her, sharing and experiencing her deep spiritual connection, laughing about and praying for her boys and my children, finding a reason every single day to smile. I will feel her love and know that she has touched this earth so meaningfully, forever.
cheryl pratt
February 18, 2009
i am so very sorry for your loss. i am saddened by this news like so many others. i have heard susan at both Temples and was so inspired by her beautiful voice. rest in peace.
cheryl pratt
Adrienne Rothstein Grace
February 17, 2009
Susan helped my daughter Sarah prepare for her Bat Mitzvah. Somehow she discovered that if Sarah could sing it, she could learn it. And so, sing/chant she did, beautifully and perfectly. Cantor encouraged her to join the choir. Sarah didn't but she kept on singing. Susan's joy remains with us, and her voice, singing the prayer of healing echoes in my head and my heart.
Judy and Barry Baron
February 17, 2009
Our whole family is deeply saddened at this time. Susan performed the baby naming ceremony for our granddaughter Lyla about a year and half ago. She was so lovely and made this special occassion for our family one we will never forget. We did not know her before the ceremony, but she made us all feel warm and special-especially the baby. Our sincere sympathy to her family , but the memories of a beautiful woman will always be there for you
Rhonda Ley
February 17, 2009
Cantor Wehle officiated at my wedding. She met with my husband and me to get to know us and to familiarize my husband to be with the Jewish prayers and traditions that would be a part of our ceremony although he is not Jewish. Her patience, insight, joyfullness and beautiful voice made the wedding all I hoped it would be. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and remembered forever as a talented, joyful soul whose good deeds, warmth and inclusiveness reached across all differences in faith. My life is better for having known her. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and those whose lives she touched.
Ina & Herb Scheer
February 17, 2009
our thoughts and prayers are with Susan's family at this most difficult time --Susan teacher was a wonderful --always smiling and excited about what she was sharing ...She will be missed in the community Shalom
Ina and Herb Scheer
Liz Staley
February 17, 2009
The world lost a really beautiful person....but Heaven's choir gained a new angel, where she can sing God's praises forever more.
God bless the community of Temple Beth Am, and to her sons, blessings to you both in this hard time, may you find comfort and peace.
L. Cherry
February 17, 2009
My heart is saddened for all those who lost their life in this terrible tragedy. I pray that Susan's family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories that they have of her. Although this is a difficult time, please find comfort in John 5:28,29 and look to Jehovah God for the strength to continue on.
Helen (O'Brien) Buranello
February 17, 2009
I am very saddened to learn of Susan's death. I remember her from Hillside Junior High School and Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, New York. We didn't keep in touch, but I would still consider her a friend.
I'm touched to see the number of people she influenced and offer my prayers in sympathy, especially to her sons. May she rest in peace.
Karen Klepser
February 17, 2009
Susan was a dear friend when our children were small and played together at Williamsburg Square. Leaving the physical world will not keep Susan's SPIRIT from shining on in everyone's life she touched. I hope that her boys know what a special gift it was having their mother for all of these years. She is on a new journey now, but her love will live on forever.
Elizabeth Chaput
February 17, 2009
I never met Susan, but was given one of her CDs by a friend while I was in Roswell. I listened to her every night for that year I was recovering, and her sweet, beautiful voice saw me through dark times. She touched the lives of so many people she never even knew...what a wonderful, amazing woman...
Jerry Raven
February 16, 2009
I have a hole in my heart. It will heal but it will always be a place where I miss my friend. Over the years, Susan and I sang together many times and it was always musically and spiritually satisfying.
Above all though, she was my friend.
My wife Carole and I are in Florida for the winter and cannot be back in Buffalo to share in the grief and love for Susan.
Sherry Altman
February 16, 2009
Like so many others, I was in such shock that Susan was among those lost in the plane crash last week. Warm, spiritual, caring... only a few of the words I can find to describe Susan. Knew her as a "fixture" of Jewish Buffalo, including during the years I worked at Temple Sinai, while she was their cantorial soloist with Rabbi Jamie Arnold. She was an inspiration, and will be missed by so many.
Beth Steinberg
February 16, 2009
Everything that has been said about Susan is true. Our paths crossed several times during her days at Temple Sinai, Temple Beth Am, and HSJS. She was a woman who completely dedicated her life to song, to worship, and to bringing comfort & joy to anyone and everyone. She was very intelligent and valued Jewish education and values very highly, but never in an off-putting way. She was always inclusive. I know I will always remember her infectious smile and an unbelievable spirit. I know this community will never forget the blessing of having had her in our midst. It is so hard to believe this tragedy. My prayers go out to her two loving sons.
Lynn Dearmyer
February 16, 2009
I had the pleasure to meet Susan at a memorial service in October at Temple Beth Am. She made such an impression on me with her welcoming smile and warm hands. Being non-Jewish, I had many questions and she answered them all with such love and warmth. Jonah and Jacob, I cannot imagine what you must be feeling but take comfort knowing that your mother made such a difference in so many lives; she certainly did mine.
David Adler
February 16, 2009
I met Susan at summer camp in the early 1960's. We were the same age and went to Camp Ein-Harod, in Ellenville, NY, together for several years. It was part of the Dror Zionist youth movement and modeled on kibbutz life. I remember Susan as a beaming, spunky, vivacious girl. I am deeply saddened that her dedication to accomplishment and improving other people's lives has been cut short by her tragic loss. My deepest sympathy to Susan's family and friends.
Bobbi and Stewart Mednick & Family
February 16, 2009
Susan will be missed by all our family members. She was true to her passion and she lived her life from the heart. She will be forever in our prayers. Thank you for your gift of LOVE.
Allen Duzak
February 16, 2009
My sincere condolences to Susan's family, her sons, and to the countless number of people whose lives were enriched, entertained, and comforted by her extraordinary talents and angelic gifts.
While we are all still in shock and grieving for her, I find comfort in turning my thoughts around and focusing not on the tragic nature of her departure, but rather the rare and unlimited capacity for the kindnesses she bestowed on so many people. Having known Sue since 1971, it was no surprise that she eventually embraced a life of giving through her magnificent spirit, compassion, and a smile that will never be forgotten. We shall always remember you, dear Susan.
Lisa (Sweet) Cooke
February 16, 2009
I did not know Susan well. In fact, I only met her 3 times, but her death has left such a hole in my heart. She helped my family during an extremely difficult time and her kindness and words of wisdom will never, ever be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family...find comfort in knowing she touched so many lives in such an amazing way... Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!
Commedia dell' Arte at Art Park, Lewiston, NY
James Gleason
February 16, 2009
Her smile says it all. Sue was like a den mother to the motley crew known as the Commedia Dell' Arte. Her humor and energy are still with us.
Commedia Dell' Arte at Art Park
James Gleason
February 16, 2009
That smile says it all. Sue was like a den mother to the motley crew known as the Commedia De'll Arte. Her spirit and energy are still with us.
Dawn Littlefield (Visualeyes)
February 16, 2009
We have had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Susan and her family for about 10 yrs. We feel as though we have lost a true friend and are blessed to have had her in our lives. We got the opportunity to see her and the boys quite often at Visualeyes. Everytime Susan came in the office we would have great conversations about our families, her spirituality and mostly about Jonah and Jake. They are such good kids, ambitious and well mannered. Our Prayers are with you both. How proud she was of you!! Such a remarkable soul was lost so tragicly but will be in our hearts forever. We will miss her very much.
Wendy Mednick Syd & Max Robinson
February 16, 2009
Words cannot express the unbelievable loss of our dear friend Susan. She was a dear friend and spiritual leader to all.. her kind heart, warm smile and willingness to help all that needed her will never be forgotten.She guided my family through such difficult times over the last 2 years, with such deep compassion and commitment for all she believed in and for the angel she was. I will always hear her voice as she prayed at my daughters bedside in the hospital that gave her the strength to heal. She will be sadly missed by all..Our thought and prayers are with her two sons at this sad time.She will be forever in our hearts and we will cherish the memories forever.
Leslie & Paul Levenson
February 16, 2009
We are deeply saddened by double impacts (Leslie's mother and Cantor Wehle) in a few weeks apart. Susan was at my mom's funeral service on Jan. 21st and she did beautiful ASL sign language when she chanted one of her songs to us (being Deaf). She inspired us. She was very warm and we wished to know her forever. Remember her family in our prayers.
Dr. Bernie Davis
February 16, 2009
Susan was a friend and sincere spiritual leader. . My grief is only modified by my admiration and love. I shall miss her always.
February 16, 2009
We are so devastated by the tragic news we heard last Friday morning.The whole community knew of Susan's enthusiasm, devotion and caring and it leaves an emptiness that we all deeply feel. We wish we could be at temple (Beth Am) where we could share the grief with her family and friends and all those who loved her. Beverly B. Cohen, Scottsdale AZ
Beverly Cohen
February 16, 2009
We are so devastated by the tragic news we heard last Friday morning.The whole community knew of Susan's enthusiasm, devotion and caring and it leaves an emptiness that we all deeply feel. We wish we could be at temple (Beth Am) where we could share the grief with her family and friends and all those who loved her. Beverly B. Cohen, Scottsdale AZ
Rich Campagna
February 16, 2009
I am deeply saddened by this most unfortunate incident and that of Susan's passing. I had the opportunity to meet Susan when participating in a Bar Mitzvah. Being non-Jewish and not really knowing how to act or what the process entailed, Susan's love of God and people radiated from her throughout the entire celebration and I was truly blessed by her spiritual gift. She was insightful, patient and caring in a way that broke the boundry between beliefs yet never compromising in her faith. In a world seemingly conflicted by our differences, Susan let God's light shine through her and taught us all a lesson in spiritual love. My prayers go out to your entire family. May He give strength to you in your time of suffering.
Minda Cutcher
February 16, 2009
One of Susan's last official acts at Temple Beth Am was officiating at my father's funeral on January 27th of this year. She came to our home the night before and drew out stories, laughter and tears from my family and friends. She explained the Jewish rituals around grief and encouraged us to participate in them, for the great healing properties. Susan also helped me further develop my understanding of G-d and the everlasting nature of one's soul. G-d brought her into my life just when I needed her. My thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to everyone whose lives were touched by Susan. She will be missed greatly on earth, but her soul and gifts will be with us forever.
Sally Blitz-Weisz
February 16, 2009
Susan's vivaciousness, true love and caring for the human condition will live on through the people's lives she touched... Susan's voice is now silenced. However,the memory of her voice in the Synagogues across the country and Holocaust Remembrance Services is still heard in the minds of Holocaust survivors and their children. Rest in peace.
Deborah Thuman
February 16, 2009
May G-d's peace be upon you. I did not know Ms. Wehle, but I did take religious education classes at Temple Beth Am in the 1990's. The people of this temple will always have a special place in my heart because of the warmth, acceptance and welcome they showed me.
Dorothy (Schnetzer) Malm
February 16, 2009
It deeply saddened me to hear the news of Susan's untimely death. I remember her from Martin Van Buren H.S. She played the viola in the Sr. Orchestra then.
After reading of her work since then, it's clear she has been a blessing to all around her.
My sincere sympathy to her family and friends.
Bernice Stern
February 16, 2009
Susan was a vivacious and kind woman. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
Marlene Glickman
February 16, 2009
To the family of Susan Wehle,
Even though I wrote an entry in another guest book, I feel it important enought to write this entry again. I was lucky enough to meet Susan at Temple Sinai and was so pleased with her singing and running the Shabbat Service there, I hired her to be our Cantor at Temple Beth Am. It was a joy watching her grow in her new capacity, receive her title of Cantor, and most of all, seeing how she worked with the sick, the bereaved and the marriages in which she officated, including my granddaughter. She brought joy and a new found respect to the bimah. She will be missed by all.
Melissa Kleinman
February 15, 2009
I had the opportunity to work with Susan for 2 years and am deeply saddened by this loss. May her family and friends find peace and always remember her as the kind, passionate, fabulous woman she was.
Liz Golimowski
February 15, 2009
May God keep you close during this difficult time.
Arleen Fishman Block
February 15, 2009
Susan was a classmate of mine at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, NY. I knew her as a casual friend. Yet, when I saw Susan's incredible smile in news photos, it struck a chord of familiarity to me. I remember Susan as an intelligent, kind, friendly, and bubbly person. I want to express my condolences to Susan's family and friends. She obviously touched many lives in many very special ways as she lived her life far from Queens. My thoughts are with you in this incredibly difficult time.
James Terhune
February 15, 2009
My heart goes out to all that knew Susan Wehle. I am a member of BCC and we co-lease space at Temple Beth Am. It was obvious that Susan had an impact on many. She was always encouraging and supportive of our music & theater productions. My sincere condolences to all of her family, friends and Temple Beth Am.
Helen Swede
February 15, 2009
My thoughts are with Susan's sons and family, and all those whose lives she touched in so many ways. I recall her lovely voice with great pleasure, and now poignancy, at community events and gatherings at friends' homes. May her memory be an inspiration.
Marlene Glickman
February 15, 2009
To Susan's family:
Little did I know when I hired Susan six years ago, that she would become a tremendous asset not only to Temple Beth Am, but to its family, the community and all the people she helped in time of need. She was there when the sick needed her, officiated at funerals and at weddings. She never said no to anyone. There will always be a kind of silence and emptyness within the walls of our Temple, the Temple family and the community. I am proud to say that I knew Susan and was able to watch her grow into the wonderful woman she became. I am only sorry I cannot be there at this time as I am in Puerto Rico and cannot travel at this time.
Shonna and R. Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin
February 14, 2009
We have known Susan over many years, while attending national Jewish renewal Kallot across the country. We were blessed to attend and witness Susan's cantorial ordination in Boulder, Colorado a few years ago at the OHALA Rabbinic conference, where she sang and spoke words of Torah and from her heart.
Her sweet presence, angelic voice and passionate devotion to the Jewish people will be sorely missed. Our deep condolences are sent to the family.
May her soul be forever bound up with the holy ones in the higher realms, and may her memory always be for a blessing.
Judy Friedler
February 14, 2009
My earliest memories of Susie are at Israeli Folk Dancing at UB's Norton Hall, over 35 years ago, Though I moved from Buffalo following college, our paths have crossed countless times in the ensuing years through her interactions and friendships with my mother, sister, and niece.
As all of you, I was numbed when I heard Susie's name on the news. However, my shock and sadness has been tempered by the amazing outpouring of love and respect that has emerged. Susan has impacted thousands of people in her life. I hope that Susan's children Jonah and Jacob will be able to take some comfort from the legacy that their mother has left, and to Susan's sisters and brother, I hope the same for you.
Bobbie Mednick
February 14, 2009
Susan was Very Dear to my Heart. Always Caring. Will Always be Loved, Missed and Remembered for what She did for our Family. So Saddened by the Tragedy. You are Truly an Angel.
Terri Lewin
February 14, 2009
My thoughts and condolences go out to her family, and especially her two sons. We are sending much love from here in Philadelphia to her family and to the Beth Am community in Buffalo and beyond.
May you find some comfort, we are praying for you as we remember Cantor Wehle.
Linda Bergman
February 14, 2009
Susan was much more then our Cantor and teacher. She was a friend. So vibrant and ethusiastic, she helped my shy Pauline shine at her bat mitzvah and I'm so glad that she was a part of our lives. We'll always remember her beautiful voice and how she could makes us laugh. Purim won't be the same without her. Our hearts ache.
--Linda, Tom, Pauline & Sarah Bergman
Caryn Frankel Falvey
February 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your great loss. I knew Susan during our elementary and junior high school years when we were both in the same Sunday school and Hebrew school classes at Temple Sholom in Bellerose, New York (Queens). I remember her as a bright, curly-haired girl whose bat mitzvah was, like mine, in 1966. I remember, too, her devoted, serious parents who bore the numbers of the camps on their lower arms, silent reminders for us all. I wish her family and her congregation
February 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your great loss. I knew Susan during our elementary and junior high school years when we were both in the same Sunday school and Hebrew school classes at Temple Sholom in Bellerose, New York (Queens). I remember her as a bright, curly-haired girl whose bat mitzvah was, like mine, in 1966. I remember, too, her devoted, serious parents who bore the numbers of the camps on their lower arms, silent reminders for us all. I wish her family and her congregation
Audrey and Michael Ettinger-Finley
February 14, 2009
We are very sad to learn of Susan's death. She co-officiated at our wedding in 1997, and the joy that she brought to the service is a very important part of our memories of that most important day. She hadn't completed her cantorial training at that point, and she seemed so excited to be able to participate in a wedding.
We will keep her in our thoughts.
Alex Hughes
February 14, 2009
Although I only met Susan a couple of times, I was struck by her warmth and kindness. I am lucky to count Jonah as among my closest friends, and Susan's influence is readily apparent in his own gentle nature. Please accept my condolences on this terrible tragedy.
elizabeth toth
February 14, 2009
Susan opened pathways to the Heart of God through Unconditional Love and Divine Humor. She provided the path to Higher Ground for many, many people.
In my mothers' last days - Susan helped fulfill her souls' desire and I light a candle for her tonight - in thanks - for that amazing gift.
Godspeed Susan - our love goes with you.
Jonah and Jacob - our thoughts are with you both.
I've also set up a memorial site where thoughts and images of susan can be shared and viewed. You can find it here:
www.respectance.com/Susan_Wehle
With Love
Elizabeth
Dana & Katelyn Moore
February 14, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Susan's sons, family, and friends.
Susan you will be missed and will always hold a place in our hearts. Your smile, your warmth, and your beautiful voice will stay with us forever. I will always remember the way you helped calm my nerves at Katelyn's' Bat-Mitzvah, and how beautiful you sang. You added a special touch to that day. A light I will never forget. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
May you rest in peace!
Ori Benhamou
February 14, 2009
To Susan's Family and Friends:
Although I did not know Susan personally, her son Jonah has been a good friend here in Israel. Jonah's caring nature along with the rest of these entries is a testament to the profound legacy that Susan leaves us with. I wish you all comfort and serenity as you traverse this difficult period.
Betsy Abramson and David Reisman
February 14, 2009
Jonah and Jake,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult and shocking time. Your mother was an amazing woman and touched the lives of so many people.
Glenn Hill
February 14, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Susan Wehle. We said prayers for all her family and friends at our Friday service tonight. Our Rabbi David Zaslow knew Susan well, he was broken hearted at the loss.
Our love and prayers go out to your family and whole community, for comfort and eventual healing.
Shalom, Glenn Hill
Havurah Shir Hadash,
Ashland Oregon
Miriam Epstein
February 14, 2009
I will always remember Susan's infectious laugh, sharp wit, and amazing ability to brighten a room with her presence. My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Buffalo Jewish community who lost a vibrant, passionate, and loving teacher. To her sons Jake and Jonah, sorry is just too inadequate a word to say how I'm feeling about your loss. May you be comforted in your time of need.
Randy Pellis
February 14, 2009
Through many years of Hebrew School as a young boy, Bar Mitzvah classes, Confirmation classes and Hebrew High as a teenager, the sermons of so many of the great rabbis of Buffalo's past 50 years, and the eloquence of its many great cantors, nothing brought me even remotely close to the beautiful, peaceful and full-circle vision of Judaism as Susan Wehle's deeply moving rendition of "Return Again." From the first time I heard her sing it, I knew this was something special, and she was someone special. In the many years I was honored to know her, that opinion only grew stronger. She was truly for me, my family, and so many others, an angel of God walking among us. We were blessed by her presence, and it was her music and her spirit that allows me now in a very Jewish way to say she is not here, but she is not gone.
“Return Again, Return Again, Return to the land of your soul. Return to who you are, return to what you are, return to where you are, born and reborn again.”
Bless you Susan and thank you.
Stephanie Korn
February 13, 2009
Our hearts go out to Susan's children and the congregation at Temple Beth Am. Susan's warm and caring energy and bright smile will be missed. I have known Susan for most of my life, she taught me songs at Sunday School 30 years ago.
Fredi Barrows
February 13, 2009
I was in total shock when I learned of Susan's tragic passing last night. I have known Susan since 1989 when she had her two sons, Jonah and Jacob, enrolled at Kadimah School. She was always such a caring and loving person.
Since leaving employment there, Susan and I had remained in contact through email.
In the most recent past when my beloved husband became ill, Susan was always such a comfort to us and our son, making visits to see David at rehab, leaving encouraging notes when he was asleep. Ultimately, when he passed away, Susan was one of the first to contact me to ask if there was anything she could do for Stephen and me. She co-officiated at his funeral service and, with her beautiful voice, helped to ease our pain at David's passing.
Now, I pray for peace to come to her entire family.
With love and sincere sympathy to Jonah and Jacob
J. T. Brasky
February 13, 2009
My heart goes out to Susan's family, the Beth Am community, and the entire Buffalo Jewish population. Susan was a wonderful musician, colleague, and human being and her loss will be felt for years to come.
Richard and Roberta Handel
February 13, 2009
Susan's death is an enormous loss to her children, family, friends and to Temple Beth Am. Her demise diminishes all of us in our small close Jewish community. She was a warm, talented, caring, vibrant person with so much to give.
We join in mourning her untimely passing.
Vickie and Mitch Rubin
February 13, 2009
We adored Susan – we loved listening to her sing and felt her spiritual embrace. She was the cantor for all three of our children’s bar and bat mitzvahs – she helped our non-verbal daughter pray though music. Susan was a blessing to our community – the community has lost a true angel. Our sympathy to Jake and Jonah
Elliott, Gayle, Zak, & Brandon Mednick
February 13, 2009
To the Family of Cantor Susan Wehle,
We are So Devistated and Heartbroken for the Loss Susan Wehle. Loved by All. When I was in the Hospital last year, she was by my side every day. God Bless you Susan, I don't know why God invited You. We already Miss You So Much.
Kim Trawick
February 13, 2009
Susans kind heart will be terribly missed. She was a friend to my mother and when she passed she was there for all of us as if she had known us forever, how very comforting. My condolences to her family.
Christina Carr
February 13, 2009
I was so saddened to hear about Susan's death. I remember her fondly from Temple - such a sweet person and will be missed be many. God bless her and all the victims of this tradgedy.
Sid and Sue Krupkin
February 13, 2009
Susan Wehle was truly a star of the Buffalo Jewish world and a spiritual force that impacted everyone she encountered. She did so much to ease the pain and grief of others and left her music behind, music that we now need to mourn her passing. The remnants of her voice and her smile will continue to pervade this community for many years to come.
Jan Nuzzo
February 13, 2009
My dear, sweet friend Sue,
Your passing seems an unbearable loss. You were a true child of God who walked in the spirit willingly and well.
Jonah and Jake,
Your mother was a friend like no other. I am here for you always as she was for me.
Love,
Jan
[email protected]
Y P
February 13, 2009
My parents and I are stunned and saddened. She was the first cantor I ever heard, the one I grew up with at Temple Sinai. A lovely person who will be greatly missed.
Our sympathy for her family, her friends, and her congregation.
David Cohen
February 13, 2009
I was shocked to learn of Susan's death... I knew her since our UB days, and was thrilled to know she had entered the cantorate. She was vivacious and kind. My thoughts are with her family at this terrible time.
Ted Rosen
February 13, 2009
Susan Wehle directed my father's interment and memorial service at Temple Beth Am in 2005. Gave our family comfort in time of grief. A terrible loss.
doris rainey
February 13, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nazim Mangera
February 13, 2009
I had met Susan at quite a few times in our monthly Williamsville Clergy Association meetings. She was such a wonderful and kind person. Also, she always had a smile on her face and she was so humble. There was an air of serenity surrounding her in our monthly meetings.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family in these difficult days and months that they will go through. They should be comforted by the fact that she was such a great person and she reached out to people of all faiths in a sincere manner.
She was a cantor at: http://bethambuffalo.org/aboutcantorialsoloist_susan_we.html
Sincerely,
(Imam) Nazim Mangera
Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier
http://www.isnf.org/
Jared Stern
February 13, 2009
Susan was a wonderful person and teacher who helped me immensely with my Bar Mitzvah preparation more than a decade ago. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Emmett Sweet
February 13, 2009
Susan was my cantor at religion school and she taught me so much. She also helped me and my family through rough times when my dad died. She was a blessing and she will be greatly missed by all.
Andrea Born
February 13, 2009
I considered Susan a spiritual mentor. She was my inspiration in the Jewish community as a strong and influential woman. Her spiritual energy and light will be incredibly missed.
CAROL KLEBAN
February 13, 2009
WE ARE SO SADDENED BY SUSAN'S LOSS AND FEEL AS IF WE HAVE LOST A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY. MAY ALL HER ACTS OF KINDNESS BRING HER PEACE.
CAROL AND ED KLEBAN
andre toth
February 13, 2009
susan was a lovely, exuberant woman, a great voice at temple sinai before going to beth am. she will be missed by all who loved music.
Gary Jones
February 13, 2009
I pray for strength for your family & friends. Your beautiful voice will remain singing forever.....
Ben K.
February 13, 2009
Jonah,
My condelences to you, your brother Jacob and your whole family.
maureen seitz
February 13, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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