May 13, 1956 ~ October 13, 2026 (age 70)
Fayetteville, NC
Minda “Sue” Fleishman, 70, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away on October 13, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, laughter, and service to her family and community.
Born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1956, to Marilyn and Herbert Fleishman, Minda was the beloved middle child of three siblings: Michael, Minda, and Marcie. From an early age, the three shared a playful rivalry over who was their mother’s favorite. This running family joke continued well into adulthood, until one day, while their mother was in the hospital, Marcie confidently declared herself the favorite. Without missing a beat, Minda delivered the ultimate comeback: “Well, I have it in writing!” Her quick wit, playful spirit, and wonderful sense of humor were among the many qualities that made her so loved (and Marilyn’s favorite).
Minda grew up in Fayetteville, attending local elementary and middle schools before continuing her education at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, where she completed high school and her first two years of college. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and later received her master’s degree in early education from Springfield College in Massachusetts.
Her passion for working with children began early. Starting in the summer of 1976, Minda served as head of the swimming program at Camp Robin Hood in Pennsylvania, returning for many summers to do work she loved. She later joined the Fayetteville YMCA, where she spent years leading youth programs, including soccer, basketball, and childcare.
Minda’s dedication to children continued through her remarkable 33-year career with Cumberland County Schools. She founded and led Prime Time, the before- and after-school care program, which has served generations of children and families throughout Cumberland County. Over more than three decades, Minda touched the lives of thousands of children, creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, play, and feel cared for. Her contributions to the community will continue to be felt for years to come.
Following her retirement, Minda joined the family business, Fleishman’s Tiny Town, where she became a treasured presence among family, coworkers, and customers alike.
Minda was also devoted to her Jewish faith and community. She served on the board of Beth Israel Synagogue from 2021 to 2025, including her final two years as treasurer.
Minda always held family at the center of her life. In her unyielding support and love of her family, she earned the tagline, “Minda, you can depend-a” – and she was always there for anyone who needed her.
She loved her nieces and nephew, Annie, Ashley, and Harrison, fiercely, generously, and without limits. She extended that joyful love to the next generation: Leo, who affectionately called her “Mimi,” and Holden and Hallie, who knew her as “Gaga.” These children were among the brightest lights of her life, and she delighted in celebrating their milestones, offering encouragement, and making them feel deeply loved. And of course, Minda treasured her two legendary, loyal dogs: Callie and Millie.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Minda was a wonderfully creative person who loved to crochet, craft, paint, and decorate her home in favorite bright, beachy colors like magenta, teal, and gold. And around Fayetteville, she could often be found at Zorba’s, enjoying a big Greek salad and a plate of spaghetti with meat sauce (never marinara).
And perhaps most powerfully, we want you to know that Minda had a gift for bringing joy into everyday life. She loved to laugh, to make others laugh, and to share her warmth with everyone around her. Whether greeting someone with a cheerful “Hey Shug,” proclaiming “It’s my greatest pleasure,” or offering her enthusiastic “accolades,” Minda had a way of making ordinary moments unforgettable. She was incredibly generous with her love, her time, and her laughter, and those who knew her will carry countless happy memories of her joyful spirit.
Minda was preceded in death by her loving parents, Marilyn and Herbert Fleishman.
She is survived by her brother, Michael Fleishman; her sister, Marcie Justice; her nieces, Annie Franceschi (Gus) and Ashley Baugher (Justin); her nephew, Harrison Justice; her cherished great-nephews, Leo Franceschi and Holden Baugher; her great-niece, Hallie Baugher; and her beloved dog, Millie, along with extended family and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by her presence.
A funeral service will be held at Beth Israel Synagogue in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to her lifelong community of Beth Israel Synagogue or to your favorite charity supporting children, in honor of Minda’s life.
The family invites you to celebrate Minda’s memory by finding reasons to laugh, embracing life’s joyful moments, and sharing your joy with the people you love, just as she spent a lifetime showing us how to do.
Minda will be missed more than words can express. But the love she gave, the children she served, and the laughter she inspired will live on in all who knew her.
To you, Minda, we extend our greatest accolades.