Susan Raderman Gavila, lovingly known as “Suzie,” passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024, inĀ Miami, Florida, at the age of 84.
Suzie was born on April 15, 1940, to Alfred and Jessie Raderman in Manhattan, New York. The eldest of three sisters, she was followed by Joan and Barbara. Growing up in Queens, Suzie thrived in the city’s vibrant culture, enjoying baseball games and the holiday parades. At 13, she moved to Miami with her family, but her heart always remained in New York City. She proudly considered herself a lifelong ‘New Yorker’ and felt an instant connection with anyone who shared her love for the city.
During high school, Suzie fell in love with Girl Scouts and eventually became a Girl Scout leader. She frequently spoke about how much she enjoyed camping, riding horses, and traveling to various places with her Girl Scout troops. Suzie would eventually graduate from Miami Edison in 1957 and took a position as a telephone operator for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph company.
By 1961, Suzie felt a strong calling toward the Catholic faith and joined the Sisters of St. Joseph, traveling across Florida to teach science to middle and high school students as Sister Kevin Joseph. Eventually, Suzie’s desire to start a family led her to leave the convent. Suzie married Frank Gavila in 1972, and together they were blessed with two children, Heather in 1978, and Michael, in 1981. She cherished her role as a mother and always prioritized her family, creating countless memories with her children over the years.
By mid 1970’s Suzie completed her degree at Barry University, began teaching science in Miami, and training to be a Medical Technologist. One of Suzie’s proudest accomplishments was her 36-year career as a Medical Technologist at Miami Children’s Hospital (now Nicklaus Children’s Hospital). Most of her tenure was spent working the midnight shift in the lab, where she formed longstanding friendships with her coworkers and embraced the hospital’s mission to improve children’s lives. Post retirement, Suzie also loved being “adopted” by a group of retired nurses from Miami Children’s Hospital, religiously attending monthly lunches around town.
After retiring in 2010, Suzie returned to the hospital as a volunteer ‘cuddler’ for babies in the NICU, continuing her passion for caring for children. To anyone who knew Suzie, she was the ultimate ‘baby whisperer,’ gifted with an uncanny ability to calm crying infants and connect with children of all ages.
Suzie’s strong Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life. A dedicated member of St. Louis Catholic Church for over 25 years, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, joyfully distributing communion to parishioners during Mass. Even in her later years, Suzie’s commitment to her faith remained unwavering as she extended her ministry to the residents of Mirabelle, the senior living facility where she lived for the past two years, bringing communion and comfort to those around her.
Suzie was a proud resident of Miami Springs for nearly 50 years, where she built a life rooted in community and connection. She cherished her close-knit neighborhood, made lifelong friendships, and attended many local events.
Suzie leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Her passion for helping others was a defining hallmark of her personality. For anyone fortunate enough to cross her path, Suzie came bearing hugs and kisses, flooding senses with very strong perfume! Her unconditional love, attentive listening, and patient wisdom were a source of comfort to all who knew her.
Suzie was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Alfred, and her sister, Joan Truax. She is survived by her younger sister, Barbara (Abraham) Kugel; two children, Heather (Lee) Borders, and Michael Gavila; niece, Tiffany Truax; and nephews Gary (JoAnn) Truax and Neev (Mai) Kugel.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church – 7270 SW 120th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156. Please wear comfortable, bright-colored attire. Suzie loved red, yellow, and orange.
Suzie lived to help children in need. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of Suzie’s favorite organizations:Ā St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boys Town,Ā Alzheimer’s Association,Ā American Cancer Society, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and St. Louis Catholic Church.
