Susan B. Katz

Katz, Susan B., Mayor of the City of Pembroke Pines, passed away on April 14, 2004, from the unexpected complications of ovarian cancer. Sue was the beloved wife of the late Martin J. Katz for 33 years. She is survived by her daughter Lauri Bontjes, son-in-law David Bontjes, grandchildren Jackie and Martin Bontjes, brother Gerson Paull, sisters Leah Paull and Linda Gray, nephews Brett Landsman, Joshua Landsman and Ben Paull, and nieces Julie Gross and Kathryn Paull. Born in New York, Sue lived in South Florida most of her life. She was a realtor and was active in politics for many years. In 1998 she was elected to the Pembroke Pines City Commission in a landslide upset victory against an incumbent. In 2002 she was reelected without opposition. On March 9th, Sue again defeated an incumbent to become Mayor. During her six years of service representing the citizens of Pembroke Pines, she dedicated herself to protecting and improving the quality of life in her community. She was known for being accessible, caring, and getting things done. Sue was devoted to her family. As the oldest sister, she served as the inner core of her family for advice, support and assistance. Her home was the center of family activity. As "Grammy," she relished spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. Sue delighted in helping children and regularly visited her community's schools to participate in a wide array of events, from reading circles to graduations. Sue was committed to helping citizens with special services, such as bus transportation from Century Village to shopping and medical appointments and special transportation for disabled citizens. Sue strongly believed in the need for balanced growth so that adequate transportation, education, and recreation needs of the community could be met. She was particularly proud of her work for the new stadium at Flanagan High School and getting funding for the Arts Park. Sue earned her B.A. degree in Business Management from FIU. She served on numerous boards, including the Broward County Planning Council, the Broward County Coordinating Board for Transportation Disadvantaged Services, and the Broward Cultural Council. She was active in the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. She received many awards for her dedicated public service. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the River of Grass Auditorium, Pembroke Pines Charter High School, 17189 Sheridan Street. Interment will be at Temple Beth El Memorial Gardens, 4900 Griffin Road. Shiva will be observed at Sue's home, 1101 Bel Aire Drive, West (in Grand Palms) on Thursday immediately following the interment and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mayor Sue Katz Scholarship Fund, Pembroke Pines Charter School Foundation, Inc., City Hall, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026.