SUSAN GILBERT

1940 - 2021

Susan O. Gilbert  1940-2021  
Susan O. Gilbert, 81, of Washington D.C., died on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Susan dedicated her career to ensuring that equal job opportunities were available to all citizens, with a focus on diverse and underserved communities. Born in Queens, New York, she received her BA degree from the University of Wisconsin and a MA from the University of London. Susan enjoyed a long career in public service in the District of Columbia (D.C.). She was instrumental in the success of the Reading is Fundamental program to increase childhood literacy. She served as the Director of Wider Opportunities for Women, an organization that works to promote economic independence for women. She worked for the D.C. government from 1981- 2011, for the Department of Employee Services (DOES) focusing on employment opportunities for D.C. residents. An adventurous woman, Susan seized opportunities to discover the world around her. While at the University of Wisconsin she met and married James B. Gilbert. During their 26-year marriage they enjoyed many travels abroad. Susan especially cherished the year that she, Jim, and their two daughters spent in Southern France, and the lifelong friendships she formed abroad. In her later years, she and her sister traveled together, most notably to visit their mother's birthplace in Vitebsk, Belarus. Susan enjoyed the performing arts, museums, restaurants, baseball, reading, politics, and time with her family and friends.Susan is survived by her sister, Carol Buchalter, her former husband James Gilbert, her children Jenny and Simone Gilbert, and her grandson, Jack Egan.A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.Keefefuneralhome.com. Memorial gifts can be made in Susan's name to the Kennedy Center at https://www.kennedy-center.org/Support/memorial-gift/