Susan Bilenker

1950 - 2018

Bilenker, Susan
Oct. 30, 1950 - Feb. 10, 2018
Susan Bilenker, a practicing artist and craftsperson died on Saturday, February 10, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida.
Funeral service was on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, NJ. Arrangements were handled by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union, NJ.
Born in New York City in 1950, she grew up in Elizabeth, NJ and graduated from Battin High School in Elizabeth in 1968. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural and Art History from Barnard College, Columbia University in 1972. From 1972 to 1987 she held various positions, first as a fine art gallery director, then as co-founder and director of Fox and Fowle Interiors, a commercial interior architectural practice, followed by other work in marketing, product management and interior design.
Subsequently, she devoted full time to her artistic and crafts pursuits which included fabric, graphic and tableware design, portrait painting of children, families, houses and landscapes, hand crafting of jewelry, and hand crocheted hats and scarves of her own design. Her creations were marketed at craft shows, farmer's markets and various online sites.
Susan lived in New York City, Dobbs Ferry and Hasting-on-Hudson, NY, then Aspen, CO, Nashville, TN and for the past 18 years in Sarasota. She was a skilled guitarist and singer who enjoyed performing with many musician friends. She was loved and admired by all who new her, family, friends, neighbors, fellow visual artists and musicians.
Surviving are her sister, Vicki Bilenker of Elizabeth, NJ, brother, Jim and his wife Lanie of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and her two nieces: Laura Bilenker of Vancouver, Canada, and Mrs. Julie Pearlman and her husband, Jeff, of Atlanta, GA.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.