In Memory of Rev. Dr. Susan “Sue” Magidson
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Dr. Susan “Sue” Magidson, who died on January 2, 2026, at the age of 63.
Sue was born on October 11, 1962, in New York City to Jack Magidson and Micki Magidson. She grew up in Westport, Connecticut, in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Her deepest values were shaped by Sunday School classes, multi-generational worship, and full participation in congregational life – from potlucks and square dances to singing in the choir and folding newsletters. As an adolescent, she remained active in her UU community, continued her choir involvement, and played bassoon in a church-sponsored quintet. Her UU religious education included experiences both in and out of the classroom, some carefully crafted, and others completely accidental.
Sue attended Brown University in Rhode Island, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Computer Science in 1985. After college, she moved to New Jersey and spent three years teaching mathematics, computers, and creative writing at Far Brook School. Her joy in teaching grew into a passion for developing more effective methods and materials for mathematics education. She went on to complete a Master of Arts in 1990 and a Ph.D. in 2002, both in Mathematical Education, at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). Following that, she worked at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel as a post-doctoral researcher and taught mathematics at Redwood Day School in Oakland, California.
In 2000, Sue joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, where she served for more than thirteen years as a dedicated lay leader. She led worship services, offered intergenerational stories, guided meditation and prayer, and facilitated the spiritual journey of lay leaders. She also led Hebrew songs, prayers, and dances for Passover and Chanukah services and served as one of the congregation’s chaplains. Her many roles included Justice GA Reflection Group leader; Religious Education teacher; Chalice Circle (covenant group) facilitator (2005–2006); Covenanting Project Team member (2005–2009); Church Council member (2006–2008); and Nominating Committee member (2009–2010). Her wide-ranging congregational participation provided her with deep insights into congregational life. She felt called to attend to people in crisis and to accompany them through the tender moments– to witness, affirm, honor, support, transform, and ritualize. Unitarian Universalist Ministry offered her the opportunity to support people on their religious journeys and through the most vulnerable times in their lives. After a time of discernment, Sue entered Starr King School for the Ministry. In 2010, she graduated with her Master of Divinity.
The Rev. Dr. Magidson was ordained to the UU Ministry on April 6, 2013, by the UU Church of Berkeley, California, where she continued to serve as an affiliated minister. Following ordination, she served for many years as a hospital chaplain and spiritual care coordinator at San Leandro Hospital. Chaplaincy offered her the opportunity to live her theology each day and become more grounded in her own being. Central to her theology was deep interconnection and interdependence. She was respectful, compassionate, genuinely curious, and authentically cared about the diverse needs and concerns of her patients. She valued their life narratives and used those stories as a touchstone in making assessments of their spiritual and emotional needs.
The Rev. Dr. Magidson’s grace, compassion, quiet strength, innate peace, as well as her exceptional capacity for deep listening and emotional connection, touched many lives over the years. An astute and intuitive care team member, she helped countless patients and families navigate illness, treatment, and final passage. Her insight and kindness were blessings to her clinical colleagues and members of every other community she enriched with her presence.
She loved to be outside and walked wherever she could. Swimming, hiking, and folk dancing were her greatest passions. She also enjoyed reading, group singing, attending concerts, and painting. She cherished spiritually grounded retreats, as well as taking solitary time for journaling, meditating, hiking, and painting.
Sue is survived by her sister, Nancy, and her niece, Tabby.
A memorial service was held on February 15, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd. Kensington, CA 94707.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 2908 Ellsworth Street, Berkeley, CA 94705; or to the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, 411 30th Street, Suite 508, Oakland, CA 94609.
Notes of condolence may be written here.