Edythe Sussman

Edythe Leichman Sussman died peacefully in New Britain, Connecticut on October 19, 2021 at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving family. Edie, as she was known to her family and friends, or “Nana” as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in Farrell, Pennsylvania, the third daughter of Abraham and Molly Leichman, and lived most of her adult life in New Britain with her late husband, Paul G. Sussman. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Edie was an ardent supporter of her husband, who co-owned Sussman Giant Foods with his two brothers, the late Harold and Bernie Sussman. The store was founded by Edie’s in-laws, Julius and Lena Sussman as a deli in 1926 on Broad Street in New Britain. Early in their marriage, Edie and Paul lived in the apartment above Paul’s mother’s and brother’s apartment, which was located above the store. Paul and his brothers, with the support of their wives, grew the business to as many as five stores before selling it in 1989. Edie was very active well into her 80’s. She was an avid and skilled tennis player until she was 83, when knee replacement surgery prevented her from continuing to play. Edie spent winters in Pompano Beach, Florida, but remained in Connecticut through Thanksgiving and returned home from Florida before Passover each year to ensure that she spent those holidays with her family. She also hosted breakfast at her home in New Britain every Sunday morning for her family, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each Sunday-when she was not in Florida-she made eggs to order and served bagels, lox, cream cheese and whitefish. Edie was heavily involved in Hadassah, the temple Sisterhood and the Mr. and Mrs. Club at B’nai Israel, the New Britain synagogue of which she and Paul were members. Edie was a strong supporter of Israel. The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford was her favorite charity. In her late 80’s, Edie moved from her longtime home in New Britain into the Village Gate of Farmington retirement community, where she remained active for years, playing bridge regularly with friends, and Mah Jongg every Tuesday until just two weeks before her passing. Edie leaves her twin daughters, Debra and Cheri; her son, Bruce, and her daughter-in-law, Lisa, whom she thought of as her third daughter, as she had known her for 54 years. She also leaves her sister, Ruth Cohen; and grandchildren, Matthew Loitz and his wife Maria, Aaron Loitz and his wife Shana, Eric Sussman and his fiancé Alexis Hersh, Alan Sussman and his wife Alicia Sussman. In addition, she leaves seven great-grandchildren, Sarah Loitz, Nathan Loitz, Arielle Sussman, Jacob Loitz, Jaden Loitz, Hannah Sussman and Mikayla Sussman. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford or The Sussman Families Endowment Fund. A graveside service will be held at Beth Alom Cemetary, 48 Allen Street, New Britain, CT on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford was her favorite charity