It is with great sadness that we announce that our friend and past NCC President, Sue Michaels, passed away in June 2023 due to complications of ALS.
Sue became involved with the club as far back as 2016, lending a hand with refreshments, and assumed the presidency a few years later, serving until two years ago. Her energy, commitment, and love for the club were evident to all, and her contributions included great work in programming and organization. Last year, in spite of her illness, she supported our program planning and participated in our annual West Newton Cinema show. We will miss her.
Here are some photos of Sue from various camera club events, most of which she helped to organize. Click on the large photo to expand the view and scroll through the collection.
(Photos by Nicole Mordecai)
In addition to her leadership role, Sue actively participated in submitting photos to print shows, online shows, and competitions. Here's a selection of some of those photos.
(Photos by Sue Michaels)
As a club, we have made a donation to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), a Falmouth-based organization providing many forms of direct support to ALS patients. You can click the link above to learn more about this wonderful organization that helped Sue and Holly Ladd, another club leader, negotiate their disease.
Obituary - Sue Michaels (1943-2023)
Here is Sue's obituary courtesy of the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home:
Sue J. Michaels / Sofman (Kugel), age 79 of Newton, died at home surrounded by family on June 7th 2023. Beloved wife of Lane S. Sofman, DDS. Devoted mother of Brad Michaels and his wife Clare of Melrose and the late Justine Michaels. Dear stepmother of Kyle Sofman of California. Loving sister of Tom Kugel and his husband John Kiger of Boston, Keith Kugel and his wife Janice of MD, the late Nancy Clark (husband Bill of WV), Tim Kugel (wife Alex of MD). Cherished sister-in-law of Jane Dekovessey and her husband Rick of NJ. Adoring Grandma to Tom, Nat, & Dylan, and Great Grandma to Maxine. Aunt Sue to many nieces and nephews.
Sue was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan then spent high school years in Palo Alto, California. She attended San Jose State College. In her early years she worked doing graphic design in the advertising department of Sears, Robuck. After coming to Boston she worked as a buyer for Jordan Marsh. She attended The Boston Architectural Center followed by classes at Radcliffe landscape design program. She went on to found her own painting, wallpapering, and light remodeling business where she often used her artistic talents to guide clients on color choices.
Sue was an avid photographer and served as president of the "Newton Camera Club". She was active in "The Social Science Club of Newton" where she held several offices. Sue volunteered her time at "The Womens Lunch Place" in Boston, delivered "meals on wheels" for Springwell in Newton and surrounding areas. During the pandemic she used her sewing and quilting talents to create over 500 masks to be distributed to needy people through Newton Social Services and the Womens Lunch Place.
In addition to her Photography, quilting, and needlepoint, she sang several seasons with the "Newton Singers" choral group. As a member of "The Newton Country Players", a local community theatre group, Sue worked on props, costumes, and the occasional bit part in various productions. Sue loved to ride her bicycle, both for pleasure and fundraising.
As a cancer survivor, she rode five years in the Pan Mass Challenge and walked two years in the Jimmy Fund Walk all to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. With Lane they went on many European inn to inn bicycle tours. She loved to travel, spend time with her family, watch her grandkids grow and mature.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS at www.ccals.org or the ALS Association at www.als.org.