I first came to know Sue as a customer in Lady Lynn the lady's apparel store on Main St. she and her husband Ted owned and ran. It was the late seventy's, at the time I, and most of my peers, had for nearly a decade been immersed in the "back to the land" movement.

Common dress for my female comrades & myself were for the most part cut-off jeans, t-shirt perhaps or not a bra, at best perhaps an under-stated skirt, peasant shirt, or vintage! So to say going to Lady Lynn was a culture shock would be an understatement.

Ted would be at the helm doing paper work and giving staff orders, while Susan worked the floor. In her tailored outfit to compliment her wasp waist,petticoats and heels , one was left in awe , if not feeling abit of a sloth in comparison.

It was apparent that while Ted was in charge, Susan ran the show!! I of being of a hardy, robust, nordic lineage was not accustomed of too much fellow female confrontation, so you can imagine my shock when one day after showing interest in a high-end brassier Susan insisted I try it on, than commanded (literally) me into the dressing room. I ended up buying the item! That was my introduction to Susan and the beginning of a long wonderful friendship.

As time moves forward we all have to endure Life's inevitable hardships, Susan had more than her share. The loss of her fledgling family and despite a passionate effort, the closing of her shop,as well as the inevitable set-backs that come upon most of us at some point. Despite this, what I always admired about her, was her persistent positive outlook and love of being in this world.

Whenever life started getting the better of me, I would think of her. If Susan can keep her head up, and not give in to despair , who am I to complain and whine! She was a lady ( yes a true lady) of class and dignity that I often drew on for inspiration.

In this current political climate it's obvious to alot of us that money can't buy " class", but Susan K. Press was a lady of true blue blooded "Class". I will miss her as an inspiration, but most of all as a terrific friend , that always knew exactly what to say to lighten your spirits.

It's so unfortunate that due to not receiving a payment in time, our community paper did not publish the announcement of her service until after the fact. Like a lot of folks I'm grieved that I missed her service to pay tribute to her, and meet her family and other friends. Perhaps someday empathy, compassion, and sense of community will again rule over profit for our "local" news entities.

A couple years ago I shared with Susan my vision of her from that first encounter in her shop way back when......I coined her " Teds Coney Island Cubie Doll" . She loved it, that was Susan! The icon of main street, coney island cubie doll , Semitic charmer, and dear friend, you will be truly missed by all lucky enough to be beguiled by your encounter.

love, your friend ,
Terry Carter