Rochester, NY: Susann was born on June 7, 1943 in Poughkeepsie NY, the only child of Margaret and W. Douglas Brown. After growing up in nearby Wappingers Falls Susann graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Home Economics / Child Care and then obtained a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Dring this college period she participated in a study of the cultural aspects of a small indigenous community in Peru, and traveled with friends to Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and France. Following college she worked for 32 years in Rochester, NY for the County of Monroe as a social worker involved in child welfare and foster care.
She was active in several organizations promoting awareness of climate change and other social issues. She also enjoyed nature photography and tennis, where she met and eventually married Terry Chrzan. Together for 45 years, they enjoyed music, tennis, touring National parks, Alaska, Paris, Holland, and other spots. They also were avid ballroom dancers and served jointly on the Boards of several dance clubs.
The Covid-19 epidemic curtailed social contacts and travel and may have contributed to her diagnosis of vascular dementia, leading to pneumonia. She died July 28, 2023, survived by her husband.
She was a long-time supporter of WXXI (the local PBS station) and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). May she rest in peace.