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Susan Herlin Obituary
Graduating from Trinity University in San Antonio, she went on to take her doctorate in African History at Boston University. From 1975 to 2004 she taught in the departments of History and Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville, where she was also an Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences from 1993 to 2003. She frequently wrote and lectured about Africa for the benefit of public schools and other institutions throughout Jefferson County. In 1973 she became co-owner of Café Kilimanjaro on Fourth Street, and later CEO of Kilimanjaro Foods, producing African-inspired, Kentucky-made sauces. At her death she was president of Sustainable Foods Alliance. The achievement she was most proud of was the title Zo-Simli Naa, "Chief who multiplies friendship," conferred upon her in 1995 by the city of Tamale in northern Ghana, jointly with the traditional kingdom of Dagbon, in recognition of her service in reviving the Sister Cities link between Tamale and Louisville. Taking her title seriously, Dr Herlin built a "palace" in Tamale and resided there for part of every year, fulfilling her traditional responsibilities. The Tamale Scholarship and Aid Fund, the most successful scholarship program in northern Ghana, was one of the many development projects she supported.
Dr. Herlin is survived by her three sons, Alexander, Jeremy and Matthew Broadhead; her sisters, Sarah Olfers and Margaret Harter; her brother, Bruce Herlin; her husband, Wyatt MacGaffey; and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Sister Cities of Louisville Inc., Suite 100, 620 South Third Street, Louisville, 40202. Please note on the check "Tamale Scholarship Fund."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Herlin
Abukari Abdul Malik
May 21, 2023
On behalf of the people of Dagbon and Tamale, I once Again send our everlasting gratitude to you, for all the lives you've touched during your time in Tamale as Zosimli Naa. We know you're in heaven, smiling down. Continue to rest in peace.
Mary Jefferson
May 19, 2023
Unforgettable!
Stella Erondu
October 22, 2021
Wish we knew about Susan's passing.My late husband Dr. Joseph Erondu an international students attending U of L in the mid 70s and myself found a great friend Susan. Her kindness and selflessness helped us as young people far away from home. Susan was a saint! Alexander, Jeremy and Matthew Broadhead, accept my belated condolences.
Sincerely,
Stella Erondu
Abdul Malik Abukari
April 14, 2021
Thank you, Zosimli-Naa for all the lives you've touched in my motherland. Dagbon is forever indebted to you. We cant find words to describe your benevolence. Eventhough you're gone, in our hearts you're forever alive.
Love from Tamale.
[email protected]
Dr. Ndonwie Peter
June 26, 2014
She was the Pathfinder for the Emancipation and Empowerment of women and children in Tamale Ghana. She did her best to see children from struggling families move ahead to acquire the least basic education to become succesful Ghanaians. We regret her untimely death and believe she will be received by God and His Angles in Heaven. All of us whom she has left behind to mourn hear death should always remember that Dr. Susan J. Herlin was a very simple and approachable women in life and did just what God asked her to do during her mission in this world. She was like us and one day we shall be like her. 'Death is meaningful when a mark is left behind'. RIP colleague Dr.
Diane Bailey-Boulet
June 17, 2014
We have lost a great and spirited lady and bridge between Louisville and Ghana. Susan blessed us all with her work with Sister Cities--putting the true and loving meaning of "sister" into everything she did. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a special meal at her house a few years ago with friends--and so enjoyed hearing about her passion for Ghana and its people. Love to your family.
Hawawu Hussein
June 9, 2014
My mentor, you have lived your life to the fullest, you will be greatly missed. RIP
Rita Jones
June 5, 2014
I was stunned when I found out Susan had passed away. I was so blessed to have seen Susan a few years ago when she was in Los Angeles for a speaking engagement. Prayers and blessings to Wyatt, Alex, Jeremy and Matthew and their families.
Mary Jefferson
June 4, 2014
My Dear Susan, mentor, friend and Sister in the Spirit. When I met "you" as history professor in the classroom at the University of Louisville, I was so impressed, alerted and intimidated. The day that you asked me if I had read Toni Morrison's, "The Bluest Eye," opened up the world universe to me. I am forever grateful for that one discerning question. The years gone by informed me that you were truly a gifted and caring human being who had the heart and resources to impact the lives of so many others. And, you so gratefully gave toward the gift of education, here and abroad.
I am so glad that we had an opportunity to reconnect in recent years. Your family has my prayers nd my number if there is anything that I can do to ensure others have the opportunity to know you as I have. Life is short and you lived yours to the fullest. May you rest in peace with eternal LOVE. I write to you as if you were physically present because you will always be with me in spirit and in heart.
Mary E. Jefferson, UofL PAS Alumni/1984
Kathie Johnson
June 1, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Susan's death. Although I did not have her as an instructor, I worked with her as a T.A. and as a personal assistant once semester. She was dedicated to the profession, but also just a fun person to be around.
V.C.
May 29, 2014
My deepest and sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
Gloria Lucas-Pullen
May 29, 2014
Susan was my employer at Kilimanjaro's, she was always about business. I just learned of ALL her good deeds through her death. My prayers are going up to her family in these times of need. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. -
Emily Card
May 28, 2014
Although we never met, her work was well-known and admired by friends of Ghana. Condolences to her family.
Bediako Patrick
May 28, 2014
I never saw her though I always prayed and wished to see her. But deeds will forever remain in our minds. I was studying hard to have an opportunity to meet her. We love you Mrs Herlin where ever you. May God continue to bless you and your family. I hope to meet her family one day to show them my Medical school certificate. She was a Mentor to me
Bediako Patrick
May 28, 2014
Mrs Susan Herlin is a great Heroess in our generation. I am a Medical Student in University for Development Studies. I was learning very hard to complete school and tell her that she is my model when death has laid its icy hands on her. I know God knows her good deeds and the people of Tamale agree with me. May her soul rest in perfect peace
Melissa Mershon
May 27, 2014
Herlin Family,
Sister Cities of Louisville is the beneficiary of Susan's energy and love of Africa. Her leadership and dedication to our Sister City of Tamale, Ghana led to increase activity and awareness of that area. Susan helped our community enjoy African foods through her restaurant and helped increase our cultural awareness of Africa. Her gifts will be deeply missed. My condolences to your family.
larry lawson
May 26, 2014
She was one of the best teachers I ever had. She made learning fun. Larry Lawson.
Barbara Buckmann
May 26, 2014
Condolences to Wyatt and family.
Mahamadu Abudulai
May 26, 2014
I only recently learnt of your great and inspiring role in Dagbon after your death because I have been away from Dagbon(Tamale) since 1981.You surely were a true personality who will be graetly missed.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gary and Lee Elmore
May 25, 2014
Sweet. Hospitable. Caring. An active warrior for all the right causes in this world.
Cathe
May 25, 2014
I am blessed to have known Susan. Prayers of peace for Wyatt and her family.
Diane Smith
May 25, 2014
Susan was a an amazing woman and a force to be reckoned with. She will be missed.
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