IN MEMORIAM: Susan S. Rodd, 72;
She Co-Authored Book On Grieving
FLY CREEK – Susan Stickland Rodd, 72, who after her husband’s death in 1977 co-wrote “Beyond Loss: A Practical Guide Through Grief to Meaningful Life,” died peacefully in Cooperstown on Oct. 28, 2014. She was 72.
She is survived by her five daughters, Kimberly (Robert) Tucker of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., Emily (Matthew) Carter of Topsham, Maine, Eva Rodd of Portland, Maine, Abigail (Joel) Rodd of Cooperstown, and Amanda (Mark) Rodd of New York City; her brother Edward (Arlene) Strickland of Chattanooga, Tenn.; grandchildren, Charles, James, Ella, Annie, Elliot, Esme, and Leo; and her step-father, Albert Berkowitz of Amherst, Mass.. She is preceded in death by her father, Frances Cowles Strickland, mother, Edith Adams Greene Strickland Berkowitz, and her husband, Joseph Rodd.
Susan was born on June 16, 1942, in Menlo Park, Calif. She studied acting and theater at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. and the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, New York. In 1964, she appeared in Peter Bogdanovich’s Off-Broadway production of “Once in a Lifetime.”
She married architect Joseph Rodd and they moved to Pound Ridge. She lost her husband to cancer in 1977 and, as a young widow, had to find a way to begin life again. In 1985, she moved to Cooperstown and later Fly Creek, where she lived until her passing. Her daughters remember her as smart, quick-witted, and creative, and they would like to believe they inherited her great sense of humor.
Susan was an accomplished writer and musician who taught piano lessons for many years. A friend introduced her to Margaret Sirot and Lily Singer, and together they wrote and published “Beyond Loss” in 1988. She was a witty individual who loved reading and was passionate about her books, pets, music and family.
Susan was a founding member of the Fly Creek Philharmonic and performed with the group on Garrison Keilor’s Prairie Home Companion. She was a member of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and enjoyed her many summers vacationing on Lake Paradox. In addition, she composed the lyrics and music for the nearby Fly Creek Cider Mill’s jingle, and it can be heard there regularly.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Fly Creek Methodist Church with a covered dish reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Susan’s life.
Memorial donations to Friends of Music and Art and condolences may be sent to Abby Rodd, 374 Barnum Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. The family would like to thank the Catskill Area Hospice, Carol Lachance, Mike Ainsle, Joel Morain, Andi Lyons and many others for their care during Susan’s illness.
Arrangements are under entrusted to Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.