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Transcript of interview with Laura Sussman and Wendy Kraft by Barbara Tabach, February 17, 2016

Date

2016-02-17

Description

They've been referred to as the two Jewish mothers who own a funeral home. At first glance that seems too simple a description. However, it is how they arrived at this description that tells a story of two women who moved here in the late 1990s and whose paths crossed as they became part of the Jewish community of Las Vegas. Laura Sussman arrived first. It was 1997. The Jewish Community Center, a JCC without walls as Laura puts it, hired her as its first executive director. She was from Ohio where there was a robust Jewish tradition. She was director for eight years; then executive director at Temple Beth Sholom. Wendy Kraft moved to the valley in 1999. She was a stay at home mom from Boston, who was accustom to volunteering in the Jewish community. Knowing no one and on the brink of divorce, the Jewish community became her life, a way to build a network of friends and keep her occupied just as it had been in Boston. The two women met through their work with the JCC and love followed. Several years later, in 2009, so did their new business, Kraft-Sussman Funeral and Cremation services. By February 6, 2015, Laura and Wendy had married. They had already formed a family with each other and their three daughters, Leah Sussman, Emma and Elyse Kraft. In this interview they discuss their joint sense of purpose that includes love of family, dedication to the Jewish community, pride in the LGBT identity, and providing caring services to those at the time of funeral services. They talk also of Jewish traditions related to death, the Jewish burial society known as Chevra Kadisha, and challenges of their industry. They share feelings about nonprofits and how they value being actively involved in the community.

Text

Global Noon Hour "Goes to Las Vegas" featuring the Stardust Hotel: video, 2001 January 12

Level of Description

File

Scope and Contents

Fireworks erupt on the top of the Stardust Resort tower to classical music for New Years Eve 2001. The camera pans around the building as the fireworks continue to erupt. Perhaps produced by Chet Simmons, per physical media item. Original media Betacam SP, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486.

Archival Collection

Stardust Resort and Casino Records
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00515
Collection Name: Stardust Resort and Casino Records
Box/Folder: Digital File 00, Box 021

Archival Component

"Fun & Games" TV show segment on the new Las Vegas Motor Speedway: video, 1991 February 28

Level of Description

File

Scope and Contents

San Diego, California news segment reports on the "Lido de Paris" show closing in final show after 32 years to make way for a new show. Clips of the show appear on screen while the reporter details the show's closing. Original media VHS, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486.

Archival Collection

Stardust Resort and Casino Records
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00515
Collection Name: Stardust Resort and Casino Records
Box/Folder: Digital File 00, Box 023

Archival Component