Dorothy Susman

Dorothy Olivia Susman, aka "Terry," A long-time Bay Area resident, died Oct. 23. Terry was known for her love of books, classical and jazz music, and wildlife, and for never rejecting a stray cat or dog. Born April 25, 1932 in England, she came to the United States after her first daughter, Olivia, was born in 1956. Terry, her then-husband Howard, and the family moved from Orange County to Oakland after a second daughter, Tina, arrived. Terry remained in Oakland until her death from cancer. Terry began her career with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, landing a job as a telephone operator despite her British accent. She blazed a trail for women by becoming one of the first to move into the repair side of the business, climbing down manholes, up telephone poles, and wearing a hardhat and tool belt to work. In addition to being an avid reader, Terry loved travel. She returned to Europe at least three times, once with Olivia while Olivia was studying in Bordeaux, France. In 1994, she fulfilled a dream of seeing Africa when she visited her daughter, Tina, a journalist based in Johannesburg. Together, they sailed on the Zambezi, hiked along Victoria Falls, paddled the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and had close encounters with elephants, lions, rhinos and leopards in the South African and Zimbabwean bush. Terry returned with clear memories and many blurry photographs. Terry was preceded in death by Olivia, in 1996, and by her favorite cat, Miss Marple, on Oct. 15. She is survived by Tina, of New York; her devoted brother Richard Terezopoulos of New Zealand; a niece, Mary; two grand-nephews; her dear friend Michael; and many whiskered creatures who knew they could find food waiting for them at her home. In lieu of a service, Terry would like to be remembered with donations to organizations dedicated to wildlife. The family sends special thanks to the nurses at Angels Hospice in Hayward for helping them through her final weeks.