Former Columbia High School Guidance Counselor Dies

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - Capable, caring and magnificent were just a few words used to describe former Columbia High School Guidance Counselor Susan Boer who passed away suddenly at the age of 60.

After falling ill in autumn 2017, Boer was diagnosed with ALS and chose to privately fight her illness and passed peacefully Saturday morning.

Boer retired from the South Orange-Maplewood School District in 2017 and opened her own counseling practice in Flemington.

"Sue Boer was one of the most capable, human and decent people we encountered at Columbia High School," Jennifer Crohn wrote on Facebook. "We only knew her in her capacity as our daughter’s invaluable guidance counselor, but we liked her very much and are heartbroken to learn of her untimely passing."

Indeed many who knew Boer professionally took to social media to offer their thoughts.

"She was a magnificent person who moved the world for my kids. As a testament to her commitment, she wrote the most incredible recommendation for my daughter in her application to college," Sandra Levine-Charlap said. "The admissions committee said it was that letter that clinched the deal. We owe her a deep well of gratitude. The Charlap ladies loved her so very much and are so sad that she’s gone."

Born to Bert and Irvine (Bosland) Boer on May 27, 1958, at Paterson General Hospital in Paterson, she was the third of four sisters: Sandy, Pat, and Dee. Boer attended Hasbrouck Heights High School, William Paterson University, and received her Master's degree from Kean University.

Boer spent three decades in counseling and healing in positions at the Shire in Mendham, North Hunterdon-Voorhees School District in Hunterdon County, Columbia High School in South Orange-Maplewood, and most recently through her own private practice in Flemington.

Mourners said Boer was a true professional who never stopped smiling and loved the children she worked with.

"I always knew that a student was in good hands with Sue," Former Columbia High School Assistant Principal Janice McGowan said. "She cared deeply and worked hard to take care of her students. She was also a lot of fun."

Left to honor Sue are her three children: Dylan, Cait, and Dakota, her husband Paul, her sisters and her mother, and her Neapolitan mastiffs. She is also remembered by her four grandchildren: Ben, Pax, Harp, and Griff.

Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Sue are invited to honor, remember, and love her on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. at the Calvary Fellowship Church located on 191 County Road 627 Finesville.

Those that are inclined to share thoughts, feelings, or memories are welcome to do so.
And if the the outpouring on social media is any indication, there will be many with thoughts to share.

"She was a true advocate and friend to my daughter, who found her office a 'safe space' many times while she was a student," Kathi Rabinowitz Hirsch said. "At the end of senior year I gave Sue a sweatshirt that said 'Spiritual Gangster' because she was a fighter with the most giving heart. Rest In Peace Sue."

Arrangements are through the Finegan Funeral Home. Visit www.fineganfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association at www.alsa.org.

(Photo courtesy of the Finegan Funeral Home)

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