Susan Mott

It is with deep sadness and fond memories that the Mott and Forrest families announce the death of Susan Hoffheimer Mott (born November 24th, 1944). Susan left us peacefully and surrounded by family at her home in Bexley and is now reunited with Frank Mott in eternal love. Susan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to a family of German ancestry, and her family was instrumental in sponsoring the family of Siegfried Mosczytz (who became Fred Mott) to also immigrate from Berlin to Cincinnati in 1938 to escape the dangers facing the Jewish people in Germany at that time. Although they met later in Washington DC, Susan’s husband and life partner, Frank, was the son of Fred Mott, and beyond their union these families are interwoven together in their histories.

Susan graduated from Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati and then obtained her B.A. in English and Philosophy from the University of Cincinnati in 1965, her M.A.T. in English from Trinity Washington University in 1968 and her PhD in Sociology/Demography at The Ohio State University in 1982. Her work and studies in Demography especially were informed by common interests shared by her husband Frank, particularly her work in Kenya and with the Jewish populations of the United States. However, Susan then used her skills to lead market research efforts at Nationwide Insurance for 18 years and then worked for 9 years as a senior consultant with Matthew Greenwald and Associates. During this time Susan served as the national president for the Society of Insurance Research (1992).

Beyond her distinguished professional career, Susan was a loving mother, and lifelong champion of human rights. She is remembered for her efforts to teach English to those needing to learn the language domestically; her work in the US civil rights movement; her collection of campaign pins representing her spirit of action in the 1960’s and 70’s; and as the host of many late-night election parties, and July 4th parade parties in Bexley, Ohio. She also had an amazing spirit of adventure, raising her family in Lagos Nigeria from 1973-1975 (while traveling home to give birth to Tamar), and in Nairobi, Kenya from 1978-1980 (while also working on her doctoral dissertation). Through this time, she gained a love of travel and global cultures, and in particular loved beautiful family gatherings in locations like the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel, and the Mount Kenya Safari Club in Kenya, among many others. Later in life she turned her focus and attention to the love and support of her husband Frank, giving every remaining ounce of her energy to this effort until his passing on December 31, 2020.

Please lift a glass of Champagne to Susan. She is preceded in death by her father Lawrence Hoffheimer and her mother Florence Hoffheimer. She is survived by her son Joshua Mott and daughter Tamar Forrest, and their partners Kelly Mott and Robert Forrest. She is also survived by her brother Lawrence Hoffheimer, brother-in-law Hanno Mott, sisters-in-law Lolya Lipschitz and Barbara Brafman, and loving grandchildren Shalom Jacob Mott, Lilah Mott, Isabella Forrest, and many other relatives and friends. Her cherished dogs Ascher and Reuben will also miss her.

The funeral will be at 1pm Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Epstein Memorial Chapel, 3232 E. Main St. Interment will follow at New Tifereth Israel Cemetery. Shiva will be held at Susan’s home on Tuesday, February 25 from 4-8pm; Wednesday, February 26 from 5-8pm; and Sunday, March 2 from 5-8pm. Contributions to Susan’s memory may be made to Congregation Tifereth Israel or Jewish Family Services.