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Sue Strauss Obituary

Sue Ann Strauss passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 21, after a valiant four-year fight against metastatic breast cancer. Sue Ann is survived by her loving husband, Gerald Bodzy, their children, Marc and Rachel Bodzy, and her brother Lewis Strauss. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Sadie Rose and Richard Strauss. Sue Ann was born in Houston, Texas, on August 7, 1952, and graduated from Memorial High School in 1970. In 1974, she obtained her BA from Mount Holyoke College, and in 1978 earned a J.D. degree from the University of Houston. She began her professional career in New York City in 1980 at Citibank in real estate and private banking, and pursued her passion for real estate finance as a Vice President of Shearson Lehman Brothers and as a Vice President of Cushman & Wakefield. Sue Ann was a long-time member of the Investment Committees of Mt. Holyoke College and of National Jewish Health in Denver. Sue Ann married the love of her life, Gerald Bodzy, in 1980, and they were blessed with twin children, Marc and Rachel, in 1991. Sue Ann's family life revolved around her adventurous spirit and appreciation of life's opportunities. Whether entertaining at home or traveling the world, Sue Ann's inclusive nature created a sense of community among strangers, and she was a faithful and devoted friend to many. Her family and friends are forever blessed by her distinctive empathy, graciousness and love. A Memorial Service will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd. on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at noon. The family is grateful for the wonderful care provided by Garrett Lynch, M.D., at the Baylor Breast Clinic, and the staffs of The Methodist Hospital Out-Patient Center and Houston Hospice. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to charities supporting breast cancer research.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Aug. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Sue Strauss

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Ruth Glick

September 18, 2012

Dear Gerald, Rachel and Marc,
How saddened I am in finding out today of Sue Ann's passing.
My wonderful friend and next door neighbor in NYC was truly an Eishet Chayil (A Woman of Valor) for sure!!
May God comfort you in your grief.

September 17, 2012

I could hardly believe the news of Sue Ann's passing. I am not an active alum, but I will never forget Sue Anne because I rode back to Houston with her my freshman year, 1973. This was cheaper than flying and allowed me to interact with people that normally would not be a part of my circle of acquaintances.

This may not sound like a significant event, but in 1973, living in Houston, Texas an African American female sharing a 1400 mile drive with three white women was a bit unusual. I can remember so well stopping in Jackson, Mississippi at a Sizzler Steak House and the looks that we were given. Sue Ann was warm, and quite 'matter of fact' about the whole experience. I never felt that she perceived me as anything other than a fellow MHC woman.

Through the years I have thought of her often, and how comfortable she made me feel. We were at the end of the segregated south in Houston. Yet, she never once made me feel different. There were never any questions about hair, or skin or what foods I ate. This is vastly different from many I encountered at MHC in 1973. Now I wish I had reached out and contacted her just to express what I am saying now. I regret this. This news reminds all of us to speak the words before the end. I so convinced myself that she had a busy life, and probably would not remember me at all. What I am saying now, should have been said to her.

I cannot give you anything specific that she said to me that made such an impression. I do remember how she made me feel..I was not a Black freshman; I was simply a freshman. Sue Ann was the epitome of what a Mount Holyoke woman should be. I am truly sorry she is gone; for so many reasons.


Deborah (Smith) Konrad '77

Kathryn Rabinow

August 31, 2012

I am still in Aspen and just learned of Sue Ann's death; I am shocked and saddened. She was here in Aspen in early July, enjoying the beauty of the mountains and the intellectual stimulation of lectures and the music concerts. I hope that she kept the memory of that beauty and peace with her throughout the remainder of the summer. Her love of family and of Mount Holyoke will remain an inspiration to all of those who knew her.

August 30, 2012

Dear Gerald, Rachel, and Marc,

I remember Sue Ann with fondness when Rachel was in my first grade class at The Fay School. She was such a loving and proud mother of two beautiful children.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely, Gena Lewis

Belle Griffin

August 28, 2012

Gerald, Lewis and kids, my prayers are with you. May God continue to comfort you through your grief.

Caren Gertner Fritts

August 27, 2012

Dear Gerald, Rachel & Marc--
I am finding it hard to find the words of comfort I wish for you. Sue Ann made a beautiful impact on my life, as she did so many others. This world is a better place because she was here. I send you peace and comfort as you travel through life with the love and lessons she gave you, that will be with you always.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Caren Gertner Fritts

Bruce & Kathy Smith

August 25, 2012

Gerald,

I had the pleasure of meeting Sue Ann for the first time at one of our CP dinner meetings. She was a pleasure to know and a wonderful person. She will be missed.

Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Charlotte LaRocca

August 23, 2012

Sue Ann was a classmate at Mount Holyoke. She was smart, funny and unforgettable. We'll always remember her fondly. I'm so sorry for your loss.

August 23, 2012

Gerald,
We are sorry for your loss.
-Dick & Carol LaMarche, Greg Douglas, & Creative Property Mgmt Staff

Liz Dittmer

August 23, 2012

Gerald, Mark and Rachel,
Sending you all our love and prayers. Sue Ann will always be in our hearts.
Love, Jeff, Liz and Erica

Maria Straus

August 23, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Maria and Sofia Straus

August 23, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Walter and Toni Finger

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