Susan Margaret Graeser                                                             August 15, 1946 – July 16, 2024

We lost a local icon, Susan Graeser, to pancreatic cancer. She was known around these parts as the “window painter.”

After 52 years of artistic service to the South Santa Clara Valley, we say goodbye to a wonderful woman, friend, mother, grandmother, sister, and wife. Susan is survived by her husband Bill Memmen, her two sons Scott Graeser and Tom Graeser, and her brother Rob Phillips and his wife, Brenda. Susan will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Susan Margaret Phillips grew up in Monrovia, California where she was the oldest of 2 children born to Robert and Ellavera Phillips. After graduating from Monrovia High School in 1964, she went on to attend Pasadena City College where she met and married Robert Graeser.

In 1965, Susan's float design won First Place for the Pasadena City Schools' entry into the 77th Annual Tournament of Roses, New Year’s Day Parade. Not only did she design their float, but ambitiously participated in its construction which also earned her the prestigious Governor's Trophy.

Susan continued her studies in graphic and fine arts at San Jose University. In 1972 Bob and Susan purchased property in San Martin and began building their dream home. During this time, Susan turned her artistic talents into a business, "Have Brush Will Travel." She started out painting storefront windows for local businesses leading to many, long-standing relationships throughout Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy.

In the 1980’s, Susan's next venture began with "Walls by Susan" painting murals and using faux painting techniques which earned her a good reputation ‘jazzing up’ homes. She also worked as a docent for Gilroy Gardens, again using her talents to design two maze attractions, the Holiday Santa's stage and on to a huge project of refurbishing their carousel horses. Painting carousel horses was a 50-year dream and passion of Susan's that came to fruition at Gilroy Gardens.

In later years, Susan found joy teaching new, aspiring, young artists in her home and at Gilroy Center for the Arts, passing on her skills and love of art. Susan and Bob divorced in 1990. By chance, Susan and Bill met at a cousin's wedding in Colorado in 2002. They married in San Martin in 2003 where they continued their happy lives together.

For 25 years, Susan designed the popular Guglielmo Winery Holiday wine bottle label where a memorial service is planned in Susan's honor on the 26th of October 2024 at 2:00 pm.

Please come and join us in 'Susan’s Celebration of Life’ in a community she loved.

Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E Main Ave, Morgan Hill, California 95037.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Valle Del Sur Art Guild or Gilroy Center for the Arts.

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