Date: Fri 16-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Zarmsky-Sue-obituary-Bill

Full Text:

OBITUARY: Linda S. Zarmsky

Linda S. (Sue) Zarmsky, 49, a former typesetter at The Bee Publishing Company

in Newtown, died January 11 at her home at 4 Winslow Road, Newtown.

Sue was the wife of William N. Zarmsky. Besides her husband, she is survived

by a son, William J. Zarmsky of Newtown; a daughter, Cynthia Zarmsky of

Newtown; two brothers, Leo Radunski of Easton, and Peter Radunski of Norwalk;

a sister, Carol Smith of Easton; and two grandchildren, Samantha and Michael.

Sue was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, putting her through surgery,

chemotherapy and radiation.

The disease almost seemed to magnify Sue's finer points, however. She went to

work, although she really felt like crawling back into bed, and she remained

optimistic and cheerful, even though treatments were not working.

Family was important to Sue. How many sons call their mothers their best

friends, but Sue's son, Billy, does. "I think I know every color in the

rainbow of love at this point. Your love was and is everything to me," he

wrote in a letter to his mother after her death.

Billy said his mother used humor to get through life's adversities, and the

last few years, her optimism and humor were certainly tested.

"I have never seen anyone go through this with more dignity," said friend

Diane Feinberg, inspired by the way Sue responded to her disease.

Sue Zarmsky was born in Stamford on October 15, 1949, a daughter of Leo and

Helen Yanowitz Radunski. She had been a resident of Newtown for the past 18

years.

She worked at The Newtown Bee for more than 10 years; she left in the middle

of 1997, when cancer treatments finally forced her to slow down.

Sue enjoyed her job, typing the week's news, and in an office full of

wordsmiths, she, more than anyone else, had her nose buried in the dictionary.

Sue enjoyed her work, but her higher calling was people.

She did not have hobbies, said one co-worker, she had friends.

Friends - husband included - were willing to shave their heads when she shaved

hers in order to mitigate the effects of cancer treatment with good humor and

loving support. She received such support from people because she was

constantly supporting them.

Friend Donna Gorton remembers Sue helping her through the death of one child.

"She was there saying, `Keep trying,' because soon I would have a great bundle

of joy, which I did, so, she was smart."

Funeral services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. A

memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at 10:30 am, at

St Rose Church.

Cremation will take place at Mountain Grove Crematory, Bridgeport.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Western Regional Hospice of Connecticut, 30 West

Street, Danbury 06810.

The Newtown Bee January 16, 1998