Obituary of Sue Gersten- Becker

Susan Goldman Gersten- Becker, a local award-winning free lance photographer, world traveler, and former teacher, recognized for her humanitarian efforts, died at her Burden Lake home on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2013 after a spirited battle with pancreatic cancer. Mrs. Gersten- Becker was born in 1940, the daughter of the late Harry L. Goldman and Martha Freedman. Mr. Goldman was a former well-known local broadcasting and advertising executive who founded radio stations WEEE, WROW , TV station WTEN, and the Ruth Advertising Co. Born in Albany, NY and with residences in Averill Park and Boynton Beach, Florida, Mrs. Gersten- Becker held a M.S.in Educational Psychology with high honors from the College of St. Rose, a M.S. in Reading with high honors from SUNY Albany, a B.S. in Elementary Education from Russell Sage College, and an A.S. in Media, cum laude, from Endicott Junior College in Beverly, Mass. During her young adulthood, she contracted rheumatoid arthritis and was confined to a wheelchair and thus becoming concerned with the architectural barriers she encountered during her world travels. As a result, she co- authored an award winning guide for physically handicapped travelers, Traveling like Everybody Else" which she publicized on TV's "Good Morning America". Through her research and travels, she became instrumental in bringing hotels into compliance with the American Disabilities Act aimed at providing accessible room accommodations for travelers with physical disabilities. Following a 25-year teaching career at Arbor Hill Elementary School, Mrs. Becker embarked upon a prolific second career as a professional photographer, combining her love of travel with her interest in humanitarian causes. The winner of numerous photography awards, she showcased her talents through many exhibits and juried shows at local museums and art galleries. She delivered presentations and interviews on sociological, cultural and ethnic topics to community groups and organizations, made media appearances and held interviews to educate and enlighten audiences about her travel experiences. Her photo- essays were also seen in many national magazines and textbooks. Mrs.Gersten - Becker became and ambassador of goodwill as a traveler to Cuba. Here she visited Jewish cemeteries, photographing legible headstones so the Cubans who had left Cuba could visit their deceased relatives through her website, (www.suegersten.com). Her travels to Cuba also allowed her to bring donated medical and religious supplies to Cuban Jews who were experiencing severe shortages of food, clothing, religious articles and medicine. She returned home to tell her stories and show photos to various groups around the Capital Region. As an award winning professional photographer, Sue has received Legislative Resolutions and Commendations for President Bill Clinton, the Senate and the Assembly of the State of New York and was also recognized by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen for her humanitarian efforts. Locally she was known for her work with the Ronald McDonald House, WMHT TV educational TV, Ten Broeck Mansion, and the AIDS Society. Mrs. Gersten -Becker was a recipient of the " Teacher of the Year:" award and the Better Beginnings Award from the Albany City School District and " The Most Distinguished Alumnae Award" at the 25th Reunion of Endicott College . A life-long member of Hadassah, she was a participant in cancer research in Florida and active in a Jewish genealogy group. Her great joy was her photography. She belonged to the Schenectady Photographic Society and the Delray Camera Club. One of her many projects as a 9- ½ year photo essay on the progress of the World Trade Center from the tragic week of 9/11/01 to the year 2011. Sue also studied with notable photographers Joyce Tenneson, Douglas Kirkland, Jill Enfield, Bob Kris and Lois Greenfield. Sue recently had 9 images accepted into the permanent collection at the National Dance Museum in Saratoga , has had her Cuban cemetery photos accepted into the permanent collection at Temple Beth Emeth, and has many images on display at the Damien Center and the College of St. Rose . Sue also enjoyed riding her jet-ski, swimming on Burden Lake, and playing with her grandchildren Sarv and Rostam. Survivors include her fabulous husband of 47 loving years Karl Becker, the wind beneath her wings and her pillar of strength, two sons, David (Sheila) and Michael (Sarah) both of New York City, two grandsons, Rostam and Samuel, and three granddaughters, Sarv, Emma and Lily. Mrs. Gersten -Becker was predeceased by her sister, Lois. She is so appreciative to her husband Karl, her son David, and his wife Sheila, for all their care during this difficult time. We would like to thank Dr. Gary Bakst for his many years of care and friendship. Sue would also like to thank her very dear, close friends for her helping her through her 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Special thanks go to Geri, Linda, Kim, Dale and Ann who have been at my side all summer .Thank you so much to the many friends who made my life wonderful. Services at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road in Albany on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in the Temple Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Action to Cure Kidney Cancer, 150 West 75th St; NY, NY 10023, The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave; Bethpage, NY 11714, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, NY, NY 10065, or a charity of your choice. No flowers please.