Susanne Van Dyne

SUSANNE VAN DYNE, May 25, 1928 - August 24, 2010

Sue Van Dyne, 82, of Harkers Island, passed away August 24, 2010.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Susanne Deutsch was born May 25, 1928, in Vienna, Austria, to Josef and Gertrude Deutsch, who doted lovingly on their only child. She lived a long life filled with many experiences of love, joy, and sorrow. She leaves her husband of thirty two years, Ted Van Dyne, daughter Valerie, three step-children: Kevin, Cheryl, and Keith, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many close friends.

Her childhood in wartime Europe would impact the rest of her life. At ten years old, her mother saved her by placing her aboard the train Kindertransport, which took her out of Nazi occupied territory. Her mother and grandmother were subsequently lost to the horrors of Auschwitz. After a long journey across Europe, she made it safely to Britain and to her father. She then attended a boarding school in Wales, Mansfield College.

Sue was married twice. Her first marriage to Sam Fine bought her three beloved children, Geoffrey, Valerie, and Larry. Sue faced the tragedy of losing her sons, Larry and Geoffrey, at early ages. Her daughter, Valerie Fine Klaassen, is married and lives in the Washington, DC, area. Sue?s second marriage to Ted Van Dyne brought her three step-children. Sue and Ted relocated several times, and settled in beautiful coastal North Carolina for their retirement years, buying a cottage on Harkers Island. Taking the ferry out to Cape Lookout was one of Sue?s favorite pastimes.

Sue?s working life was one of generosity and tenacity. She was a strong advocate for those in need of social services. As Chief of Residential Services in Loudon County, Virginia, she worked tirelessly to set up residential and day programs for individuals with special needs.

After the death of Nicholas Winston, the founder of the Kindertransport, Sue was invited to speak about her experiences and to represent Winston. She was consulted for the making of the film, Into the Arms of Strangers, the award-winning documentary on the Kindertransport program, and she was interviewed by researchers working on Steven Spielberg?s Schindler?s List.

She traveled back to Wales several times and maintained strong friendships with her schoolmates. She was also involved with efforts to see the Austrian government atone for its wartime actions. In 2008, she returned for the first time to Vienna as an honored guest of the Austrian government.

She had a strong creative side and was always able to see the beauty in life and stay optimistic about its possibilities. She wrote, painted, and sketched throughout her life.
With her strength, serenity, compassion, and the exquisite spark of her personality, she lived her life with grace. Susanne Van Dyne is deeply loved by many, and will remain tenderly remembered.

Online condolences may be made to the family at mundenfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City, NC.