 usan F. Mead, the fourth child and third daughter of the late Willard
and Gertrude (Campbell) Mead, was born January 3, 1944 in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. She received her elementary and high school education
through the Pittsburgh Public School system, and her initial college
experience at the University of Pittsburgh. After completing 1 year of
undergraduate work at "Pitt", she boldly joined Volunteers In Service To
America (VISTA). In 1965, Sue was assigned to Buffalo, New York where she
remained a lifelong resident and one of our city's most socially conscious
citizens until her death on August 19th, 2001.
Susan was an integral part of the "first wave" of idealistic and energetic
VISTA volunteers to journey to Buffalo. As constant "champion of the underdog"
and posessing an uncompromising philosophy surrounding human rights and
dignity, Sue immediately focused on community issues of unemployment, housing,
education, and economic development--particularly where they adversely
affected children, women and minority communities. In 1966 she lent her
leadership skills to the organization of the first major protest demonstration
aimed at encouraging local trade unions to hire more African Americans. Her
resolve for "getting things done", and her steadfast commitment to selfless
giving are only the beginning of the characteristics that clearly distinguish
our friend.
Sue loved children, and on December 5, 1970 she was blessed by the birth of
her only child, Alexander Chareles Mead, the joy of her life! One of Sue's
life-long goals was to introduce special episodes of enjoyment into the lives
of as many young people as she could. Whether it was paying for the ice
cream truck at the Private Industry Council's picnics, taking someone on a
surprise shopping trip or to the movies, buying a young girl her first
bouquet of flowers, telling a child how pretty or handsome they were, making
their holidays special, or just gently offering words of encouragement in a
world where these words are seldom expressed, Sue was always enthusiastically
seeking out ways to add wonder to the lives of children. Years would pass,
yet Sue remained keenly interested in each young person's accomplishments
and individual growth!
Her work ethic was beyond reproach. From 1971 through 1973 she was
an exemplary employee of the Model Cities' Employment Information Center.
During that same period, Sue was instrumental in organizing the Board of
Directors for the Community Mental Health Center and from 1973 to 1978
she served as its Director of employment and training while attending
the University of Buffalo and receiving her Bachelor's degree in
Business Administration. In June of 1979 she became a Senior Counselor
for the City of Buffalo. Assigned to the Private Industry Counil's GED
and adult LPN programs that coordinated with the Buffalo Public School
that she coordinated with the Buffalo Public Schools, Sue's students
mastered academic and employment goals that are still respected and
discussed by her peers. Despite the fact that her uncompromising honesty,
at times, could be somewhat disconcerting, Sue was a loved, tenacios
advocate and mentor -- not only for her program participants, but for her
friends and coworkers as well. Very simply, she derived her greatest
satisfaction from helping others.
Two memorable recognitions most appreciated by Sue are the "Most
Effective Counselor Award" from the Model Cities Employment Information
Center, and first recipient of the annual "Carl Draper Humanitarian
Award" from the Buffalo and Erie County Private Industry Council. Sue
thoroughly enjoyed reading, gardening, and crocheting.
Sue is survived by her son Alex; two sisters, Jimmi Mead of Naksup, BC
(Canada) and Willa (Jerry) Lynn of Harlem, Montana; two brothers, Charles
(Geraldine) Mead and Walter E. Mead, both of Pittsburgh, PA; dear friends,
Rosemary and Barry Soffin of Buffalo, NY; nieces, nephews, and a host of
friends.
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