Susan Bilenker
Susan Bilenker of Sarasota, Fla., died Feb. 10, 2018. Born in New York City in 1950, she grew up in Elizabeth. She lived in New York City, Dobbs Ferry, and Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.; and then Aspen, Colo.; and Nashville, Tenn.; before moving 18 years ago to Sarasota.
A practicing artist and craftsperson, from 1972 to 1987 Ms. Bilenker held various positions, first as a fine art gallery director, then as co-founder and director of Fox and Fowle Interiors, a commercial interior architectural practice, followed by other work in marketing, product management, and interior design.
She subsequently devoted full time to her artistic and crafts pursuits, which included fabric, graphic, and tableware design; portrait painting of children, families, houses, and landscapes; jewelry hand crafting; and hand-crocheted hats and scarves. Her creations were marketed at craft shows, farmers’ markets, and various online sites.
She graduated from Battin High School in Elizabeth in 1968. She received her bachelor of arts in architectural and art history from Barnard College, Columbia University, in 1972.
She was also a guitarist and singer who enjoyed performing with many musician friends.
She is survived by a sister, Vicki Bilenker of Elizabeth; a brother, Jim (Lanie) Bilenker of Whitehouse Station; and two nieces, Laura Bilenker of Vancouver, Canada, and Julie Pearlman of Atlanta.
Services were held Feb. 13 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
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