Shirley (Sussman) Kozinets made her mark on this community with kindness.
That’s what 60 friends and relatives remembered as they gathered on May 4 outside the local arena to plant a Royal red maple in memory of the woman who was a large part of Sussman’s of Arthur and its growth.
She died late last year and as an honor the Arthur Chamber of Commerce decided to plant the tree and invite the community to celebrate her life.
Pat Salter, who worked for 30 years at the Sussman’s store before retiring, read a poem titled The First Lady of Arthur. Salter spoke about Kozinets’ passion for dolls, her dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas and her donations and support to church bazaars and community functions.
“Her friends will always miss her so much along with her family,” Salter said.
Chamber president Mary Schmidt also recalled Kozinets and her easy going attitude.
“She knew everybody on the street,” Schmidt recalled. “She knew all the names, your children and even your pets.” Schmidt said although she was Jewish, Kozinets attended Catholic school in the community. She would eventually meet her husband Dave and along with the family, including sons Steve and Harvey, would grow Sussman’s to the business it is today.
“I miss my mom every day and I know she misses Arthur,” Steve Kozinets said at the ceremony. “What I miss most was seeing her kindness.” He pointed out that his mother is buried in the Jewish section of the Guelph Cemetery where her funeral took place.
“She’s buried in the Jewish section of the cemetery right next to the beer store,” he said with a smile. “So if you go into the beer store, wave.” He added, “She really loved all the people here … A lot of people have a little something of mom still with them.”
Steve Kozinets said it was fitting to have a tree planted in his mother’s memory.
“I know people who couldn’t be at the funeral will see the tree and remember her,” he said.
