Susan Allan Block

Susan Allan Block

January 12, 1967 - April 17, 2025

Susan Allan Block, 58, who was a skilled pastry chef and fierce animal advocate, passed away April 17, 2025, at her Sylvania Township home. She had battled cancer since childhood.

Mrs. Block, who lived half of her life in New York City, was a resident of the Toledo-area for 14 years following her marriage to Allan J. Block, chief executive officer of Block Communications, Inc.

During her time in Toledo, she used her culinary expertise to start a successful pastry business, Vendome Pastry. She operated it for five years, often working every day of the week to create tarts and other delights.

Along with her business, she was the champion of many causes, among them saving animals through the Toledo Area Humane Society and advocating for advancements in cancer treatments through the Toledo Clinic Cancer Center.

For years she hosted the annual PawVilion celebrity chef event at the couple's home to support the humane society. Area chefs would donate cooking classes, wine dinners, and other private events to help fund her cause, ultimately helping to raise thousands of dollars each year for animal welfare.

Mrs. Block was born on January 12, 1967, in Concord, Massachusetts, and she was named Faith by her birth mother. She was adopted by David and Ann Pond of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and was renamed Susan Jeanne Pond.

She had cancer as an infant that caused her to lose a kidney. Later, she was diagnosed with clear-cell sarcoma of the soft tissue.

Mrs. Block graduated in less than three years from Wagner College, and later went on to attend esteemed pastry programs in Paris at Ecole Gregoire-Ferrandi and the Ritz Escoffier School. She enjoyed all aspects of food, including dining at restaurants and most notably at Kengo Sushi & Yakitori on South St. Clair Street.

She had a variety of careers in New York City: a personal assistant at several companies, working in medical sales, and exploring a clothing business among them.

She enjoyed traveling the world and also spending time outdoors at the couple's home in Stonington, Maine.

Many knew and respected her for her upfront and direct approach, her strong sense of friendship, and for standing behind her beliefs.

Mrs. Block was predeceased by her father, David. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Allan Block; her long time friend, Diana (John) King; and people around the world that called her friend. At the time of her death, Mrs. Block had filled the Block home with three dogs, Finn, Lily, and Cash; and three cats, Tux, Wren, and Xena. Earlier, the couple provided a home to three pigs that had faced imminent death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida; the Toledo Area Humane Society; Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Services (H.O.O.V.E.S.) in Swanton, Ohio; and the Lucas County Pit Crew.

Funeral arrangements are being handled through Walker Funeral Home-Sylvania, where visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 23. A funeral is planned for 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Maumee.