Brain Aneurysm Foundation

1958 - 2018

Peacefully and with her family by her side, Susan died in March in Davis, California.  She was 59.

Susan’s parents emigrated from Germany to the US, lived the military life, and settled in Fairfield when Susan was in 5th grade. She attended Crystal Middle School and Fairfield High School. She then moved to Sacramento where she spent much of her adult life. She attended Sacramento State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She discovered her passion for the field of nursing, and completed the nursing program at Sacramento City College from 1989-1991. Through her rotations at Sutter General Hospital she fell in love with the hospital and the staff. She worked there beginning 1991 in the Transitional Care Unit (TCU), and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where she worked from 1995 until her brain aneurysm and stroke in 2003.

Susan’s strong will got her through surgeries and rehabilitations, and she had many setbacks over the years. She lived in many settings in Sacramento, Woodland, and Davis. Through it all, Susan never gave up and persisted in living the fullest life possible. Countless people helped Susan with great generosity along the way: friends, doctors, nurses, care givers, attorneys — too many to name but you know who you are. We thank you most sincerely.

Susan loved her three Labrador Retrievers, and took great delight in training and hunting with them. She also enjoyed gardening and hot, sunny weather. Susan felt the three words that best describe her are: stubborn, determined, and social. She hoped to be remembered as a nice person who was a good friend. When asked what she would want to pass along to others, she said “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” Her life philosophy was “What goes around comes around.”

No services will be held for Susan. To honor her spirit, she would want you to listen to Brad Paisley’s music, eat sushi, and have pie for dessert - all with the scent of gardenias or plumeria around you. Live well.

Donations can be made to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation at bafound.org - thank you for your support.