Benjamin and Susan Erdman

Erdman

Benjamin and Susan Erdman

Our beloved parents, Benjamin and Susan Erdman passed away after more than 60 years of marriage in Reston, VA. Ben, 91, passed on January 23, 2021, and Susan, 86, on February 10, 2023. It was their wish to be remembered together.

Ben was born in 1929 in Boston, MA, to the late Simon and Eva Erdman. After graduating from Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with degrees in engineering, Ben led the development of classified systems for several Presidents and federal agencies. Outside of work, Ben was passionate about reading, the fine arts, Boston sports teams, tennis, and woodworking.

Susan was born in 1936 in Attleboro, MA, to the late John and Ruth Henriques. After graduating from Framingham State Teachers College, she worked at Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarden in Reston, VA, for almost 40 years, 25 as co-director. Susan's life revolved around the Lord, family, church, and community. She loved the beach, a good lobster, long walks, biking the world, going to plays, and her many pets, most recently her faithful companion Moka.

Ben and Susan met at a school dance in 1958 in Boston, MA. After exchanging many love letters and spending countless hours exploring the city, they married in 1960. Together, they loved fine dining, traveling, and gathering with family and friends for a cookout or day at the beach. Nothing brought more joy to Ben and Susan than spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Ben and Susan are survived by daughter Kristin Karmazyn and son Eric Erdman. They dearly loved their five grandchildren, Kayla Thompson (husband Terrell and great-grandson Adonis), Anthony Karmazyn, Shay Karmazyn, Austin Erdman (Kimberley Nelson), and Travis Erdman (Elizabeth Phan); many nieces and nephews; Susan's brother and a best friend John Henriques and wife Carol; and devoted caregiver and friend Mary Fair.

Ben and Susan were preceded in death by their son David Erdman, son-in-law Michael Karmazyn, Susan's brother William Henriques and wife Judith, and Ben's brother Howard Erdman and niece Karen Erdman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and repast for Ben and Susan at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at United Christian Parish, 11508 N Shore Dr., Reston, VA 20191.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association at https://heart.org/donate or Alzheimer's Association at https://acl.alz.org/site/donation