Susan Veit

Susan Berg Veit passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 4, 2023. She was 82 years old. She is survived by her husband Clarence Henry Veit, son Jeffrey Veit (Lynn), daughter Julia Veit (John Shim), and grandsons Jason Veit, Jack Shim, JoJo Shim, and granddaughter Lara Veit.

A baby of the Second World War, Susan was born September 11, 1940 to Alfred and Bertha Berg in Washington D.C., which gave her much pride. She was an only child, moving many times in her early years as her father was an attorney working on the New Deal, at one time representing the Tennessee Valley Authority. When Susan was 11, her family settled in Great Neck, New York, where she would reside through high school. She attended Chatham College, where she met lifelong friends. After college, she returned to Washington D.C., attending the 1963 March on Washington. Following in her father's footsteps, she began her career working for Head Start.

Susan then moved to San Francisco and was set up on a date with Henry Veit through a mutual friend. Henry was a native of Wisconsin, who fled the cold winters of the Midwest for the California sun. Susan and Henry married in 1967, and in 1969, their son, Jeffrey, was born. Six weeks later, they moved to a house in Oakland, where they would raise their family and reside for the next 54 years.

A few years after welcoming their daughter Julia, Susan went back to school for her Masters in Public Administration. She then launched a successful career as a real estate agent in the Oakland-Piedmont area while continuing to raise her children. Even after she retired in 1993, her passion for real estate continued, and she was known to read the real estate section weekly. She also returned to her civic roots, becoming an active volunteer for the League of Women Voters. She was an avid consumer of news and followed politics in Oakland and beyond. She was always active, first as a runner and then swam regularly at the Berkeley City Club. She loved to garden, and joined the Hillside Gardeners of Montclair in 2000. Along with others, she spearheaded efforts to refurbish what is now the Sensory Garden at Lake Merritt, and was instrumental in leading its renovation. She continued to volunteer there for years to come.

Susan was persistent, independent, and dogged when she set her mind to something. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. A great listener, she delighted in hearing people's stories and their news. She loved her family and friends deeply, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with them. She tended to her family as she tended to her garden, with loving care, and constant attention.