It was with tremendous shock and sadness that I put down my last Playback, the Jan. 5 issue containing the unfair news of the death of Susan Zeller, editor of RealScreen.

Of all the people I knew who inhabit(ed) that great, frenetic rabbit warren of offices from which Brunico Communications produces its editorial content, Susan was among the most anchored, kind, unswerving, calm and above all, wisely wry. And so quietly purposeful and productive – traits I never failed to admire amid all the drama and hyperbole often boomeranging off her desk.

Susan never seemed to be drawn into the fray, never made a fuss or called attention to her tremendous efforts and accomplishments. No drama queen she. No wonder at all that RealScreen has received so many fine testaments to her passion and dedication for her work. I know from having been interviewed by her that you couldn’t sidetrack her from her line of questioning for an instant, not even with a sly offer to warm up the mug of tea always present on the corner of her desk.

An industry that spends its time documenting the lives and events of our world has lost one who loved it all, and her family has lost a treasure. But because she had such a positive attitude, she would appreciate hearing the good news. And the best news is that amid the pressures, deadlines and incessant white noise of the entertainment industry at home and abroad, so many people – family, readers, friends and colleagues – actually took the time to notice, absorb and feel the difference she made in their lives.

Susan Tolusso,

Ottawa