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Susan Charney-Fischer
Susan Charney-Fischer of Southampton suddenly died at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center on March 26 of pancreatic cancer. She was 68.
A longtime resident of the East End, Ms. Charney-Fischer is best known for her work as an agent, first at the world-renowned Ford Models and then at her own agency, Sue Charney Faces. Her friends lovingly teased her as being godmother to the young recruits she discovered and helped mold into professional models, some with very successful international careers. She had such a zest for life, survivors said.
Ms. Charney-Fischer met and married her husband, Robert Fischer, a longtime friend and successful advertising photographers’ representative, and upon retirement they gave up their residence in Manhattan to move to their vacation home in Southampton. After Mr. Fischer’s death 10 years later, she dove back into the business world, lending a hand with retail businesses, most recently, at the upscale Vineyard Vines stores in Southampton and in Florida. She was an active member of the Caring Committee at her synagogue, Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor, where she formed deep friendships. “Sue leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth and devotion,” Rabbi Leon Morris said.
In later years, Ms. Charney-Fischer met her longtime companion, Dr. Joe Berkeley, and they stayed together until his death.
Ms. Charney-Fischer was always elegant, always caring and sharing. She was a cherished sister, devoted aunt and loving friend to so many and she will be sorely missed. She was taken away too soon, survivors said.
Ms. Charney-Fischer is survived by her twin sister Alice and brother-in-law Barry Opell; many nephews and nieces; step-daughters and step-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, March 29, at the Sinai Chapels in Queens and webcast for the convenience of family and friends. Interment was at Knollwood Park Cemetery in Ridgewood. Memorial donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, (866) 789-1000, or at lustgarten.org.
on Apr 6, 2011