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Susan Stamberg
1938 - 2025
Susan Stamberg
1938 - 2025
Obituary
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BORN
1938
DIED
2025
Susan Stamberg Obituary
Born Susan Levitt on September 7, 1938, in Newark, New Jersey, Stamberg grew up on Manhattan's Upper West Side. She attended the High School of Music & Art in New York and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Barnard College in 1959. After college she worked briefly in print journalism, then moved to Washington, D.C. following her marriage to Louis C. Stamberg in 1962.
Stamberg joined NPR in 1971, before it even began full national broadcasts, working initially by cutting audiotape. In 1972 she became co-host of "All Things Considered," where she broke new ground as the first woman to host a nationally broadcast evening news program in the U.S. She remained host of that program for 14 years.
After leaving "All Things Considered" in 1986, she hosted "Weekend Edition Sunday" from 1987 to 1989 and later served as a cultural correspondent for NPR's other programs. Among her innovations was introducing the now-famous Sunday puzzle in collaboration with Will Shortz. She remained at NPR in various reporting roles until her retirement in September 2025.
Over her career she conducted tens of thousands of interviews, reaching across politics, culture, art and everyday life. Her warm, conversational style broke with more staid news traditions, and she is widely credited with helping shape NPR's distinctive voice. She sometimes described how early in her career she felt pressure to lower her voice to sound more "authoritative," until a mentor convinced her to simply be herself.
Stamberg coined the term "Founding Mother" for herself and three fellow women journalists-Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Cokie Roberts (1943–2019)-to highlight their role alongside "Founding Fathers" in NPR's early days.
Among her many honors, Stamberg was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis C. Stamberg, who died in 2007. She is survived by her son, actor Josh Stamberg, and by two granddaughters.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
19 Entries
DB
October 28, 2025
May the God of all comfort give his peace to sustain and comfort family and friends during this time of loss and beyond.
Greg Petersen
October 24, 2025
She had moxie and class. I had the honor of meeting her at some NPR gatherings and she was always gracious, warm and inviting. She will be missed, and remembered ... especially at Thanksgiving when enjoying Mama Stamberg's Cranberry Relish.
Donna Smith from La.
October 24, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family of this distinct and accomplished journalist and presenter. She informed and educated me on so many commutes. I so enjoyed her voice, wit and humor over her years at NPR.
And thank you, her family, for allowing her to share the cranberry sauce recipe.
Kathryn Scott
October 22, 2025
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your mom and grandmother. She was a warm, wise and funny lady. I had the pleasure of getting to know her as a friend and colleague when I asked her to host an interview program at the Newseum, news museum, in Washington, DC. We worked together taping the show and then often went out for Vietnamese food, sometimes with your dad as well. I remember them both very fondly. I hope your memories of happier times together will bring you comfort and joy. Kathryn Scott
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Kaye Pomaranc White, Chicago
October 21, 2025
Such a loss. She was the voice of every commute, the way I calmed down after a challenging day at my work and always a reassuring reminder of sanity and sobriety in the news. She had a way of always sounding amused! I can only imagine what it must have been like to be in her actual family - I loved being part of her audience family! I will be making her (mother´s) cranberries this year in tribute! She left an incredible legacy! Deepest condolences.
Terre Cavalier a Fan
October 20, 2025
Susan, you were a great reporter with a distinct voice. I'll always remember you at this time of the year for Mama Stamberg's Cranberry Sauce recipe!
Roger Reed
October 20, 2025
Not only was she the best at what did, she was the best Jewish Mother American news radio could have had. This Catholic boy of so many years ago owes her a lot.
Chris
October 20, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Susan Stamberg. May the God who gives comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Louise Baker
October 20, 2025
Ohhhhh, that voice, that voice. I hear her in my mind and I shall always remember her voice and how well she presented a story. Rest well Susan.
PLC
October 19, 2025
I enjoyed Susan hosting the summer 1985 season of "Alive from Off Center" on PBS. I wish I could get a DVD of that season.
RR
October 19, 2025
Such an inspiration to women and others. She was a top notch journalist. Working with NPR, she earned her place in broadcasting and set the tone for others that followed. Sincere condolences to the Stamberg family, May God give strength and comfort to you in your time of loss.
Carole Jones
October 18, 2025
As the country knows, Susan was the voice for everything happening along the world. And, oh, what a voice she had to listen to! She is already missed more than words can express.
Nila Vehar
October 18, 2025
Rest in peace dear irreplaceable Susan Stamberg. Dear Josh, your Mom graciously invited me to join her and your Dad for coffee at Starbucks following Jazzercise classes. Oh, their love was deep. She was caring, genuine, inquisitive and happy. She was so proud of you. I´m so sad, as are many others. Nila Vehar, Chevy Chase, MD
Cary Reich
October 18, 2025
Hi Josh,
Have very fond memories of your Mom any time we visited DC or she came to speak in St. Pete and we saw her.
If there are any Shiva plans in LA while I am here I would love to come.
Tom Berbas
October 18, 2025
My condolences to Susan Stamberg´s family, friends, and colleagues. Her pioneering work and distinctive voice helped define public radio for generations. Susan´s warmth, intelligence, and dedication inspired so many listeners and fellow journalists. Her legacy will continue to inform and uplift. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely, Tom Berbas
RB
October 18, 2025
A great journalist, an early part of NPR, and the first woman to have her own news broadcast. She was able to draw an audience that followed her for years. Throughout her career, she always gave her best, a fan favorite and a stellar journalist. Condolences for the Stamberg family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you in your time of loss.
Carl Monroe
October 18, 2025
Met her in a DC cafe the year her husband passed. Asked me what I did and then explained you made it. Not sure of that then or now but sent flowers. She replied not sure why but glad you did. Glad I met her. RIP. Dean
Nancy Mizen
October 17, 2025
Susan´s enthusiastic voice, bearing interesting information, always lifted my spirits over the many years of her long tenure at my beloved NPR. She took the good advice to"be yourself," and soared with her engaging personality. Condolences to Susan´s family, from a fellow Music & Art alum, Nancy Mizen (Fried), `60. Let us imagine the stimulating conversation she is having right now with Cokie Roberts!
Jack Reich
October 17, 2025
Josh
We´re cousins. Your grandma Ann and my grandma Lillie were sister. Susan and our dad Howard Reich were first cousins.
Fond memories of the "old days" and more recent occasional phone call with Susan.
Sending love and prayers to you and the family.
Mom´s memory will most certainly be a blessing.
Jack Reich
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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