Susan Marie Levin

1971 - 2022

LEVIN

SUSAN MARIE LEVIN

Surrounded by her loving family, Susan Marie Levin died on July 29, 2022, at her home in Washington, DC. Susan was born on July 21, 1971, in Montgomery, Alabama, the daughter of Joseph J. (Bari) Levin, Jr., and Anne Thompson (née Driver).



Susan attended public schools in Birmingham, Alabama, and received a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a minor in religious studies. She was awarded the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship twice during post-graduate work at Hunter College in New York City, after which she earned a Master of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University in Seattle.



Susan embraced life to the fullest, traveling extensively, running daily, and laughing often. She loved the beach, sunshine, independent art, old time radio, and daisies. Susan biked to work, ran marathons, volunteered for the causes she supported, spent countless hours outdoors, and shared her wit and humor with everyone she met. Before settling in Washington, Susan also lived in Cape Cod, Durango, Denver, Key West, Maui, and Beijing.



Susan adopted a vegan lifestyle at age 24 and dedicated her life's work to advocating for plant-based diets and better health, not only for the patients under her care and the participants in the programs she led but for society as a whole. As a registered dietitian with a specialty certification in sports dietetics, Susan served for many years as the Director of Nutrition Education for the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.



Susan was the organization's voice for nutrition and health in the media and on Capitol Hill. She also conducted clinical research studies, published reviews of the connection between diet and health, and played a central role in setting nutrition policy for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Susan regularly appeared on television and in documentaries such as What the Health?



Motherhood was Susan's most fulfilling and rewarding undertaking. She spent every moment possible with her son, Henry, whom she loved with all her heart. Susan said that each day of motherhood was better than the day before and never missed an opportunity to bring a smile to Henry's face. Along with her devoted husband, Mark, Susan was actively involved in Henry's school, sports, and hobbies. The three were inseparable.



Susan was a loyal and supportive friend, as well as a professional mentor to many. She leaves behind the love of her life, Mark Kennedy; their beloved son, Henry, who always insists that his mama has the cutest face; her parents; and her sisters, Jennifer Levin and Elizabeth (Giorgio) Gatti. Also surviving are Susan's uncle, aunt, stepbrothers, cousins, nephews, and nieces.



A celebration of Susan's life will take place on Thursday, September 15, at 2 p.m. ET. Visit https://pcrm.org/RememberingSusan for more information and to learn about two memorial funds created in her honor. Arrangements were handled by Joseph Gawler's Sons.