Obituary of Susan E. Rees

Susan E. Rees Scotch Plains - Susan E. Rees passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 12, 2012 at her residence in Scotch Plains. She was 47 and battling Huntington's Disease. Born in Trenton, Susan--affectionally known as Rees by many who loved her--grew up in Clark and spent the last fifteen years of her life in Scotch Plains with her life partner and best friend, Robert Nicol. Susan attended Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University. Susan initially worked as a buyer in New York City and then went on to enjoy a successful career as a writer and editor for Weight Watchers and Family Circle Magazines. She was also passionate about music, which lead her to do freelance writing for various music industry publications. Susan had the privilege of interviewing several of her favorite bands at the time, including Psychedelic Furs, Violent Femmes, and Nirvana--the articles of which were published in major magazines. As well as writing and music, Susan had a deep love for animals and was an animal activist who volunteered her time at Angel Paws in Colonia. She dearly cherished her three cats, Bela Lugosi, Scaredy, and Boo, who is deceased. Those close to Susan knew she how excited she got by the little things in life; Halloween, chocolate, and watching the squirrels in her yard--in particular one she named "Squirreldini." Susan is survived by her life partner of 28 years, Robert Nicol; her parents, Joanne and William; a sister, Debbie Rees and her partner, Julie Matz. Also surviving are Robert's parents, Robert and Ellen Nicol; his sister, Suzanne Rabkin and her husband Jon and their daughters, Mandy and Kelly Rabkin; all of who helped make Susan's life a truly joyful one. She will also be deeply missed by so many friends whom Susan considered her family. Family and friends are invited to join together on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 4 - 8 PM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Reflections and memorialization will begin in the funeral at 7 PM. All are invited share or listen. Committal services will be held privately on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to PETA 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510, www.peta.org or to Angel Paws, PO BOX 282, Colonia NJ, 07067, www.angelpaws.org/donating.html.