In loving memory of Saura Bartner

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Memorial Services, Donations, Funeral, and Shivah

Eulogy by Rabbi Eliot Malomet | Writings for Saura

The following obituary is the template for various versions that were published by newspapers in New Jersey, Rhode Island, North Carolina and New York.

Susan Saura Bartner, a renowned and widely loved teacher of the Alexander Technique, died quietly at her home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, in her own bed, surrounded by her family, on February 25, 2003. She was 55.

As a teacher of the Alexander Technique, Ms. Bartner instructed performers, athletes and people from all walks of life in a more energetically efficient and healthier way of moving their bodies.

Ms. Bartner was born in New Brunswick, NJ and grew up in the neighboring town of Piscataway. She later lived in New York, Missouri, Rhode Island and North Carolina.

The brain tumor that brought about Ms. Bartner's death was held at bay for almost three years through the complementary systems of conventional medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, nutritional and spirit work. She was as peaceful dying as she was graceful in life.

Ms. Bartner was certified as a teacher through the American Center for the Alexander Technique in New York in 1977. She taught in the Department of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Trinity Repertory Conservatory in Providence, R.I., Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ and at many other universities, training programs, theaters and community centers around the world as well as out of her own home. These include the Alexander Technique Training Center in Boston and the F.M. Alexander School in Philadelphia. Ms. Bartner also trained at Columbia University (M.A. Modern Dance Education, ' 72), Rutgers University (B.A. English, ' 69) and at The Center for the Study of Authentic Movement in New York. She was also a member of American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT).

Ms. Bartner's work with her students brought about a "general heightening of consciousness on all levels." She was loved and praised for the warmth and wisdom of her presentations. Students and colleagues continue to write of her life-changing influence upon them. Ms. Bartner was able to receive these kind words unto her dying bed.

Ms. Bartner's writings include her speech "Feathers of Consciousness," given in June of 1999 as the FM Alexander Memorial Lecture at the AmSAT annual general meeting in Amherst, MA It is published in the AmSAT News Spring 2000 issue (#47). "Feathers of Consciousness" continues to win praise for its correlation of the Alexander Technique and spiritual wisdom traditions with the peaceful triumph and liberation of a creative mindset over totalitarian mindsets.

As a dancer Ms. Bartner performed with Phyllis Lamhut, Jamie Cunningham and with the Louis Nickolais Dance Theater Lab. Her latest dance performance, "Lighthouse," was performed with her son Shem in New York City and Providence, R.I. in 1991 and 1992.

Saura Bartner was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and community member. Surviving are her husband, Dr. Paul Aaron; a son and a daughter, respectively, Shem and Nataw Bartner-Aaron; her parents, Elliot and Thelma Bartner of Piscataway, NJ and two brothers, as well as a large and beloved extended family.

Ms. Bartner's family wishes to express its deepest thanks for the phenomenal outpouring of support received from its friends and extended family and from the professional community during its time of trial.

Funeral services for Saura Bartner were held in New Jersey on Thursday, February 27, 2003 at the Highland Park Conservative Temple and Center. Rabbi Eliot Malomet officiated and delivered a beautiful eulogy. Ms. Bartner was buried at Mount Lebanon Cemetery on Gill Lane in Iselin, NJ [Map]. Shiva was observed from February 27 through March 5 in New Jersey and from March 2-5 in North Carolina.

Memorial services for Saura Bartner were held in North Carolina on March 29 and 30, 2003 at the Beth El Synagogue in Durham and at Ms. Bartner's home in Hillsborough and then in Providence, Rhode Island on April 19, 2003 at the Temple Emanu-El synagogue.

Memorial Contributions
For those who wish to make donations in memory of Saura Bartner

The Saura Bartner Memorial "Gardens of Life":

There is a memorial fund for a "Garden of Life," to be planted hopefully at the wedding site of Saura Bartner and Paul Aaron at Donaldson Park in Highland Park, N.J.

Please make checks payable to the Highland Park Conservative Temple and Center. In the memo write "Saura Bartner Garden of Life Fund."
Send to 201 South Third Avenue, Highland Park, NJ, 08904, Phone:(732) 545-6482 Fax: (732) 246-3100

i. At the Durham Beth El Synagogue, 1004 Watts St., Durham, NC, 27701 Please make checks payable to the Beth El Synagogue Landscaping Fund.
In the memo write "Saura Bartner Gardens."

ii. At the Ayr Mount Poet's Walk (about Poet's Walk), Hillsborough. Please make checks payable to Paul Aaron. In the memo write "Garden of Life". Send to 6916 Union Grove Church Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278 (919) 967-2528 or give checks to Paul or Shem.

Alternatively, those who wish to make memorial contributions of a different nature are encouraged to pick a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation, such as The World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy or The Sierra Club or any other cause the donor deems appropriate.

For updated information by e-mail or for Paul's writings by e-mail, please send your e-mail address and a request to be included on the mailing list to the following e-mail address: docaaron@juno.com

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