Susan (Bilton) Pope

About

Columbia University Ithaca College

Susan Pope Obituary

1945 - 2005

Susan Pope, of Bennett Avenue, New York NY, died January 1st from complications of colon cancer. A
career children's librarian with the New York Public Library, she was a graduate of Ithaca College and
held a Master's degree in Library Science from Columbia University. After many years at the Inwood
Branch, she remained the Children's Librarian at the Jefferson Market Library until taking a leave of absence in November 2004.

Raised on Long Island, Susan spent childhood summers at the beach and, as an adult, adopted Montauk as a favored vacation destination. Per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered on Montauk beach in the
summer of 2005. Family photos throughout her life show her curled up with a book, or a cat, or both.
She was a fast friend to decades of school children who found in her a homework partner, substitute mom,
and sympathetic ear no matter what sudden science project or domestic drama was unfolding. Normally
soft-spoken, she could nonetheless muster a wide vocabulary of voices and sound effects to make story
hour memorable for her "clients." If you needed a recipe for "oobleck" for an arts and crafts
rendition of "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" (Dr. Seuss) Mrs. Pope was at the ready with her apron,
green food coloring, and wooden spoon.

A long time resident of Inwood, Susan was most attached to this diverse and vibrant community. She sang for a number of years with the Cornerstone Chorale at the Lutheran church, was a member of the Fort George Head Start Board, volunteered for work at local food pantries, and spent many weekends planting flowers and joining clean up crews with the Friends of Fort Tryon Park.

Married in 1970 to John Pope of Sidney, New York, Susan was thrilled to become mom to Christina
Elizabeth in 1975 and grandmother to the amazing Lizzy (Elizabeth Sue Bargher) in 2003. In addition she leaves behind a sister, Elizabeth (Bilton) Dorfman, her favorite niece Corinne, her companion George Havkick, extended family, and friends across the city. Not yet sixty at the time of her death, she approached the challenge of her illness with uncommon grace and never lost her habit of caring for others first,herself last.

In honor of Susan, we invite you to join the family Sunday January 16th at 3pm for a remembrance at Our
Saviour's Atonement Lutheran Church, 178 Bennett Avenue, New York NY 10040.

Donations to The Friends of the New York Public Library, to Fort George Head Start, or the ASPCA are appreciated in lieu of flowers. Arrangements through Benta's Funeral Home, 630 St. Nicholas Ave, NYC 10030.

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

Published by New York Times from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Pope

5 Entries

Audrey Bauer

January 30, 2005

Susan and I were friends for over 25 years. Our daughters went to the same elementary school and we continued our friendship after they grew up. We shared a love of classical music and had great times together over the years going to concerts and events all over the city. She was a caring, positive person who only wanted to do good for others. There's no doubt in my mind that if there's a heaven, she's got a special place there.

Peter Maggio

January 15, 2005

I am Pete Maggio, son of Harriette Irene (Pope-maiden name)Maggio who was John Popes sister. I met Susan when I was small and then on our visit to New York around Christmas 2000, I believe it was. Susan impressed me as a wonderful world of knowledge and my youngest children, Shelbie (now 13) and Sean (now 10) extremely enjoyed the time they spent with Susan and Tina while we were in Sydney.

God bless and be with Tina and all the other family members and Susan, I know your reading this and I know you have achieved an everlasting immortlity here by your kindness and immeasurable charity. God be with you all in this time of sadness.

Mark Smith

January 15, 2005

I am the son of Peggy Williams who was the daughter of Irene Pope, the older sister of Susan's husband, John Pope. My mother wanted my brother and I to meet our New York family members before she passed away so we were only recently reunited with John, Susan and Tina. During the short time I've known Susan, I was always impressed with her very entertaining and caring personality. I will miss being able to visit with her again but I hope we will continue to stay closely connected with John, Tina and her new family in the future.

Tina Bargher

January 13, 2005

I am Susan Pope's daughter and I just wanted to thank everyone for their kindness during this very difficult time. We encourage anyone who is able to attend the memorial service and/or sign this guest book at anytime.

Janet Reyes

January 13, 2005

I'm Susan's cousin: her dad and my dad were brothers. I always enjoyed talking and corresponding with Susan. She was a friend as well as a relative. We'll miss you, Susan. Hope they have lots of books and cats in Heaven!

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