Susan Deixler might not be a household name, but her story remains tied to one of music’s biggest stars, Barry Manilow. Born in 1944 in Brooklyn, Susan grew up with a typical upbringing for that time. Family was everything, and values were simple yet strong. She lived a life far from the lights of fame, but all of that changed the moment she crossed paths with a young Barry Pincus, who would later take the world by storm as Barry Manilow.
While attending Eastern District High School, Susan met Barry. He was a senior, she was a junior, but their age gap didn’t matter. Young love found them both, and the hallways of that Brooklyn school became the start of a romance that would be remembered decades later.
High School Sweethearts and Young Love
When people talk about teenage sweethearts, Susan and Barry fit the description perfectly. Their bond was innocent yet deep for their age. They dreamed big dreams and talked about futures they barely understood but felt sure about at the time. While Barry was playing with his early passion for music, Susan stood by his side, supporting him even before he made it big.
At only 19, Susan and Barry decided to elope in 1964. Their wedding wasn’t a grand affair. Instead, it was private, just how they liked it. They didn’t need an audience, just each other. At that time, Barry hadn’t hit stardom yet, and the couple probably never imagined the twists life would take.
When Forever Wasn’t Forever
Only two years later, the fairy tale ended. By 1966, their marriage was annulled. What went wrong? While neither Susan nor Barry ever shared every detail, Barry later opened up about struggling with his own identity back then. This inner battle, which included coming to terms with his sexuality, likely played a big part in the end of their marriage.
Unlike messy Hollywood splits splashed across headlines, Susan and Barry handled their separation quietly. There were no scandals or public arguments. They parted ways with respect, something rare even today.
A Life Away from Fame
When the marriage ended, Barry’s star began to rise, while Susan stepped away from any public life. She didn’t cash in on their story or chase interviews. Instead, she focused on building a life for herself. She left New York and settled down in a quiet corner of California.
Susan remarried briefly and became a mother to two children, Pauline and Danny. Her family life was her safe place. She chose peace over public life, privacy over constant questions about her past. This choice shows the strength of someone who knew what truly mattered to her.
Devoted to Helping Others
While her ex-husband sold out arenas, Susan chose to serve people one-on-one. She found her calling in holistic healing, helping elderly patients find comfort and support. Her work wasn’t about headlines but about making real connections with people who needed care.
Many who crossed paths with Susan describe her as kind, calm, and genuinely caring. She wasn’t after praise but focused on giving people both physical help and emotional support. Her approach to life shows that true success is measured in lives touched, not just dollars earned.
Where Does She Stand Financially?
Because Susan has always kept her life private, details about her net worth are mostly guesses. What’s clear is that she lives comfortably but nowhere near the world of big celebrity money. Barry Manilow’s success took him to a fortune estimated in the millions. Susan, meanwhile, built her own quiet comfort through her career in healing and her simple lifestyle.
Unlike many connected to celebrities, she never used her link to Barry to boost her finances. Her life choice was about privacy, not profit.
A Legacy Few Know About
Some may see Susan Deixler as just a footnote in Barry Manilow’s story, but she is more than that. She was there in the early days, when dreams were fragile and the world hadn’t discovered him yet. Their short marriage might have ended quickly, but it shaped parts of Barry’s journey. She remains a piece of his backstory, a reminder of a time before fame and fortune changed everything.
Where Is Susan Deixler Now?
Today, Susan Deixler lives in a small town in California, far removed from the lights of music tours and sold-out shows. She is now approaching her 80s, living life on her own terms. Neighbors know her not as Barry Manilow’s ex-wife, but as Susan, the caring lady who devoted herself to her community.
She spends her days enjoying her family and the calm life she always wanted. Her story proves that not everyone linked to a star wants the spotlight. Some are content with simple joys, family moments, and peaceful days.
The Quiet Ending to a Sweet Chapter
In the end, Susan Deixler’s story is not about red carpets or platinum records. It’s about a young girl who fell in love with a boy named Barry, stood beside him during his earliest days, and then stepped away when life called her elsewhere.
Her chapter in Barry Manilow’s story will always hold meaning. But her own life, built on kindness, family, and privacy, is a testament to the beauty of choosing happiness over headlines.