Susan Hart Leisher died suddenly on April 4, 2020 after a brief courageous battle with the coronavirus. She was 69 years old.
Sue’s life was defined by her love for her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, John Leisher, their daughters, Jennifer (Chris Vega) and Laura, adored grandchildren, Riley and Liam Vega, brothers Michael Hart (Gail Prichard), John Hart (Lisa), sister Patricia Hart (Thomas McDonald), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Robert and Anne Hart, and her nephew, Stephen Henry Michael.
Sue was born in Nahant, MA. As a child she spent many glorious days at the beach near the family home, and it was there that she developed her lifelong love for the seashore. The Hart family moved to North Reading where Sue graduated from North Reading High School. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Bridgewater State College and then began working for her father at his company in Cambridge, MA.
In the same building was a small radio station where John was starting his career in broadcast journalism. It was love at first sight. They married a year later and began a whirlwind life as John worked in broadcast markets in Jacksonville, Miami, Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and New York City.
Sue was a stay at home mom for ten years in Los Angeles, devoting her time to raising their girls and volunteering for their PTA organizations and Girl Scout troops. Perfecting recipes she learned while growing up, she became a frequent cookie swap champion. She loved exploring the country with her family, visiting state and national parks, and nurturing the girls’ sense of discovery and adventure. During these years she earned a BS in Accounting and Finance from Cal State Northridge. She became a CPA and worked in that field until her death.
Most of all, Sue was happiest hosting family celebrations. She was our beloved event planner, famous for her attention to details. Her gracious warmth created a welcoming space for everyone and gave us some of the most beautiful memories the family holds. Riley, Liam and their cousins will long remember their arts and crafts holiday sessions with Nana.
The family will have a private viewing at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave., at West 261st St, Bronx, NY. A memorial service and reception will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Sue’s memory to Habitat for Humanity at https://www.habitat.org/support or the Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout