Susana Levan

Susie Levan, a remarkable renaissance woman, serial entrepreneur, and spiritual warrior, passed away on May 12, 2024, quietly at home. Her life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and empowerment, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire.
Born September 6, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, Susie embarked on a journey that defied norms and shattered barriers. She blazed trails and broke glass-ceilings early in her career as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at a male-dominated privately held company later becoming a publicly traded NYSE company, during a time when women fought for recognition in the workforce. Her leadership was not only transformative but also compassionate, earning her the admiration of colleagues and peers alike.
In 1988, Susie along with her young daughter Lauren and husband, Alan, survived a traumatic kidnapping. This event profoundly altered her life's trajectory. From that moment forward, she dedicated herself to empowering others to live authentically and fearlessly.
Throughout her journey, Susie amassed numerous accolades and awards, including the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction in 2021, the South Florida Business & Wealth's prestigious Women Award in 2020, and the Toastmasters International Speaker of the Year Award in 2012, among many others. Her commitment to philanthropy was equally commendable, as evidenced by her receipt of the 2011 United Way Magnolia Award and the 2007 Women in Distress Starfish Award.
Susie's impact extends far beyond the boardroom and into the community. Together with her husband Alan, she was honored as the Broward County Philanthropists of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2017, a testament to their shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and in their community.
In 2019, Susie released her memoir, "Getting to Forgiveness – What a Near-Death Experience Can Teach Us About Loss, Resilience, and Love," which touched the hearts and souls of readers worldwide and solidified her legacy as a beacon of hope and healing. Her beloved memory will continue to inspire generations to come.
Susie Levan's indomitable spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. She is survived by her husband of 36 incredible years, Alan Levan, daughter Gina de Varona and husband Mario, stepson Don Levan and wife Judy, stepdaughter Shelley Margolis and husband Jeff, stepson Jarett Levan and wife Dara and her beloved dog, Blu. Altogether their blended family amassed twelve amazing, loving grandchildren, that adored their Grandma Sus. Since mourning the loss of her youngest daughter, Lauren, who passed in 2018, Susie found solace knowing that she would be reunited with her in eternal peace.
A Celebration of Susie's Life will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 10:30 am at Temple Ramat Shalom Beth Israel, 11301 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL 33325. Memorial gifts in honor of Susie's life and legacy, can be made to Nova Southeastern University https://www.nova.edu or the United Way of Broward County https://www.unitedwaybroward.org. Funeral Arrangement made by Levitt Weinstein Blasberg Rubin Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 932-2700.