Memories of Susan Forster

In memory of

Susan Forster

Richmond, CA, USA

1960 - May 13, 2021

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Catalin K

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Jill Th

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Naomi C

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Nina Forster

Los Angeles

Susan's drawing of happy sparrows for my lunch bag!! (she was 12) Special for today - your birthday — with Puffy Sparrows

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Naomi C

Catalin K

Comments:

Catalin K

That is so cute! (And well-preserved.) That is so cute! (And well-preserved.) That is so cute! (And well-preserved.)

Gina L

Naomi C

Nina Forster

Comments:

Gina L

I'm so glad to see this pic of Susan and their pet deer! She told me how her mom would allow them to let ... Read more I'm so glad to see this pic of Susan and their pet deer! She told me how her mom would allow them to let the deer into their house... Read more I'm so glad to see this pic of Susan and their pet ... Read more

Naomi C

Was that deer’s name Happy? Was that deer’s name Happy? Was that deer’s name Happy?

Nina Forster

Yes!! :) Yes!! :) Yes!! :)

Jill Th

I remember Happy! And Kasuni (called Suni) the boxer dog, and Curly the orange cat! They would all sleep ... Read more I remember Happy! And Kasuni (called Suni) the boxer dog, and Curly the orange cat! They would all sleep together on the couch!... Read more I remember Happy! And Kasuni (called Suni) the boxer... Read more

Gina L

Naomi C

Nina Forster

Catalin K

Comments:

Gina L

I went with Susan to a cat show years ago in Pleasanton. The hall resembled an indoor flea market, with rows and rows of people sitting in front of their assigned tables. But instead of collectibles, each table had cages and pens holding cats, all waiting their turn to be judged. We walked along each aisle talking to owners and breeders and enjoying cat paws sticking out from under covers and cages. I have to say it was a bit surreal, this exhibit hall FULL OF CATS. So I was experiencing sensory overload when Susan was trying to tell me a funny anecdote, that well into its retirement, one best-in-show cat would demand to be held aloft by its owner and paraded around the living room. Susan, I know it seemed like I wasn't listening, but there was just too much to take in! It's a great story and I still recall every so often the way you painted this image of a cat re-living its glory days. (I just pulled this pic off the webs--it seems that holding the winner aloft is a cat show thing that Susan would immediately understand.)

I went with Susan to a cat show years ago in Pleasanton. The hall resembled an indoor flea market, with rows... Read more I went with Susan to a cat show years ago in Pleasanton. The hall resembled an indoor flea market, with rows and rows of people... Read more I went with Susan to a cat show years ago in Pleasanton.... Read more

Kurt H

Naomi C

Nina Forster

Catalin K

Kurt H

Naomi C

Nina Forster

Catalin K

Kurt H

Naomi C

Nina Forster

Catalin K

Kurt H

January 2021

Susan digging up blackberry bushes in the yard.

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Naomi C

Nina Forster

Catalin K

Kurt H

Susan and her first cat Pie.

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Naomi C

Nina Forster

Catalin K

Comments:

Marjorie D

I love this picture!  One of my earliest memories of Susan was at Pegasus, while I was still working at Pendragon.  I'd come to pull books for Pendragon and was on the floor upstairs gathering poetry books when I felt someone (I thought) patting my head.  It was Pie, who liked to strut across the bookshelves and look out over the balcony at the shoppers below.  Susan brought him with her to work so he wouldn't feel lonely in her apartment, and he loved all the exploring and mischief he could get into at the store.  One afternoon I found the small room in the back upstairs dark, and I was about to turn on a light when I saw Susan on the ratty old couch with Pie on her chest.  She would eat her lunch quickly then set a timer so she could spend the rest of her break with Pie on the couch before having to face the madding crowd again.   I hardly knew anyone at the store then, and Susan was very thoughtful with me, always making sure I felt welcome.  I remember being in awe of her poise and style and elegant beauty but also touched by her sweetness.   She was an empathetic manager, and worked very hard to create a schedule and a work environment to meet as many of her colleagues' needs and likes as possible.   And she was a great advocate for her staff at managers' meetings.  She was shy but she overcame her fears to do what she believed was right for other people.  Like Catalin, I invoke Susan when my own strength and courage are flagging.  She hated conflict, but she faced it when she had to, and I hope to emulate her in my life.  Marjorie, El Cerrito, CA

I love this picture! One of my earliest memories of Susan was at Pegasus, while I was still working at Pendragon.... Read more I love this picture! One of my earliest memories of Susan was at Pegasus, while I was still working at Pendragon. I'd come to... Read more I love this picture! One of my earliest memories of... Read more

Catalin K

2010, Richmond, CA, USA

The first time I went to Susan's house, she wasn't there. I was working for the Census quality control and was given her name and address to do a follow-up survey. I could see a tall wooden bookcase full of books through the front window as I stood on her porch, and I remember it looked cozy and familiar even though I'd never been there before. She was home on my second visit , and during the interview I thought, "I think we should be friends!" I heard later that she thought the same thing about me.

The second time I met Susan was when I was walking past her house. She was out front, in a large brimmed hat and a thick layer of sunscreen, wielding a pickaxe to break up the walkway to her front porch. We chatted briefly about what she was doing - she was removing the walkway and putting in stepping stones instead. It was clearly a lot of work for a purely aesthetic purpose. It was the first example I had of her grit and determination when she had a goal in mind. The final result was lovely, eventually with billowing clouds of erigeron daisies lining the stepping stones.

I summon that image of Susan with her pickaxe when I need extra help persevering.

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Kurt H

Naomi C

Comments:

Kurt H

This is a great memory! This is a great memory! This is a great memory!

Kurt H

Susan and the fat lil furball Webster. Susan rescued Webster when he was abandoned as a kitten in Oakland. He was forever grateful.

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Catalin K

Kurt H

Catalin K

Kurt H

Catalin K

Comments:

Catalin K

I feel like the caption on this should be, "Whose bright idea was this?" which I hear in Susan's voice. I feel like the caption on this should be, "Whose bright idea was this?" which I hear in Susan's voice. I feel like the caption on this should be, "Whose bright... Read more