Susan Kaplan, 56, passed away July 6. After complaining of chest pains, Sue was rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital,
where she died a few short hours later of pulmonary thrombosis.
Born in 1947, and raised in Chicago, Sue had an early career as a dental hygienist and later worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
She had been retired for medical reasons since the mid 1980s. Sue made her family amongst the friends she collected through the
many groups she was involved in. Despite her own personal adversity, Sue continually fought discouragement by helping others
weather their hardships.
Kaplan was an active member of Congregation Or Chadash, and lived her faith in her daily life. A long-standing and respected
member of the Chicago Recovery Community, she was an acting member of the Board of Directors for the New Town Alano Club at
the time of her death. Sue was a also a dedicated member of Chicago's Leather community, doing volunteer work for more than 10
years with various clubs ( Leather United, Dedicated and Safe, CDG ) and groups, including International Mr. Leather, for which she
served as Transportation Co-Coordinator. She was also involved with women's groups.
Sue leaves to mourn a host of loving friends in quite a few communities. The many people that she touched will miss her kind
words, and her willingness to help out in any way that she could.
A celebration of her life was held July 14. Donations: New Town Alano Club, The McAdory Fund, Congregation Or Chadash, or
Project Ezra.