Susan Chere Hartzband

Susan Hartzband (Goldsberry) said goodbye to this earth on June 2, 2022. Born to Rosemary (Chick) and Austin Davis. Susan was married to Steve Goldsberry and they both loved, encouraged, and cared for each other. Steve’s care, nurturing and love helped extend Susan’s life, and his devotion to her showed in the way they built their home together in Milford. While her red hair turned gray, her green eyes continued to sparkle, and her laugh will be missed. Susan raised her three children Erica, Zoltan, and Bela, on her own while working and putting herself through school. You never knew who would drop in to visit, people from all backgrounds and nationalities, but one thing for sure was they were always welcome. She was especially happy when discovering half-siblings and cousins and was thrilled when Sarah and Ava Hawkins became part of our family. Though they did not have much Susan taught her children that there were always others more in need, those without voices or choices. Susan was active in both the Civil Rights and Worker’s Rights movements, and she instilled this sense of humanity and duty to her children who all followed her into careers dedicated to serving others. As a single parent who earned her college degree at the age of forty from Ohio University, she provided inspiration to her children to seek higher education as adults and was proud that all of them not only achieved graduate degrees but taught at institutions of higher learning. She did not suffer fools and was willing to take those to task whom she felt took advantage of others whether these were politicians, abusive teachers, or just general bullies. Susan worked hard, and in a world dominated by men she achieved professional success from her wits and intelligence: she served as the Director of several treatment centers. She was a firm believer that people can achieve and retain long-term recovery. She taught all her children to drive the one car they owned, an old Chevette with a stick shift and no air conditioning. While there were family disagreements, nothing could not be resolved over a game of cards or Scrabble. Along with her Steve, Susan’s daughter Erica and son Bela were with her in the final days. Even though stationed in South Carolina, Susan, and her other son Zoltan enjoyed almost-daily conversations. Susan had been able to travel and visit to all ten of the stations in which Zoltan and his family were stationed. Her proudest moment was watching her children grow into responsible adults who provided her with terrific grandchildren (Cassandra, Amanda, Leah, Anne, Saskia, Jack, and Bruno) and great-grandchildren (Archer, Eleanor, Everly, and Lillian). Susan loved spending time with her two sisters, Cheryl, and Candace, and adored her daughter-in-law’s, Merijn and Tina. Susan very much enjoyed laughter, good food, nature and spending time with her husband Steve and family. Susan Chere Goldsberry lived a full life. She will be missed.