19 Lincoln Ave.
Rutherford , NJ 07070
(201) 939-1050
19 Lincoln Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
Susan  MacDonnell
In Memory of
Susan 
MacDonnell
11-13-1936 -
02-26-2019

Obituary for Susan MacDonnell

Susan   MacDonnell


Susan MacDonnell, 82, of New York City, NY passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019.
Born and raised in New York City, Susan graduated Hunter College High School in Manhattan in 1954 before moving to Rutherford, NJ when she was seventeen, and then briefly attended The Ohio State University. In 1955 she married Philip R. Ahsler with whom she had three children--Sherry, Rick and John. Together they raised their family in Chatham, NJ. She later returned to college to pursue her degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a Bachelors in Anthropology and a Masters in Human Development. Upon graduation she began her long career in academia as Associate Dean of Students at her alma mater.
In 1984 she moved to her beloved New York City and lived in Greenwich Village the rest of her life. During her career, she worked as a counselor, grant writer, events planner and dean for St. Francis College and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and Essex County College in Newark, NJ. She retired from ECC in 2016 as Director of The WISE Women’s Center.
In addition to her fulfilling career, she enjoyed travelling the world and life in New York City exploring cultures, neighborhoods, museums, sports and the arts. She always had an informed opinion about current events and of course, politics. She will always be remembered for her passion for protecting human rights for all people.
She is predeceased by her father and mother, Mark Ray and Harriet MacDonnell, her former husband Philip R. Ahsler, partner Eleonore Pepin, and grandson Edwin H. Ahsler.
She is survived by her daughter Sherry L. Ahsler, sons Richard R. Ahsler (Deborah) and John K. Ahsler (Carey), grandchildren Philip (Lauren), Margaret (Michael), Mac, Griffin, Samuel and Jared, devoted friend Barbara Broomfield, and sisters-in-law Eleanor Ahsler and Lin Pillard.
Family will receive friends in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Avenue, Rutherford, for visitation on Monday March 11th, 10am to 12pm followed by a 12pm memorial service.
Private Inurnment.In lieu of flowers you may choose to make donations in the memory of Susan MacDonnell to:
God’s Love We Deliver 166 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10013 or
SAGE USA 305 7th Avenue New York, NY 10001


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