I met Sue Betz 70 years ago when she would ride her green fancy Schwinn bike past my house every day on the way to school.  She went to Saint Matthews Catholic school and I went to the neighborhood public school, Sunnybrae.

She later moved to a neighborhood nearby called Fiesta Gardens.  Because of that she ended up going to my rival high school, but we always remained friends.

There are so many amazing memories through the years, I can’t even begin to recount all of them.  To mention one… It was our first trip together in our early 20’s…Sue, Joyce and myself drove from California to Arizona to visit Aunty Punk, Joe and the family…Wonderful.  Days later when we made that long haul back to California and we were up for hours and hours without sleep, she would not let me get into the bed until I got on my knees with my hands clasped together on the bed and prayed, giving thanks to the Lord for our safe return.

My second vivid memory was being at her wedding to Mike at the Carmel Mission with 300 people.  She recently sent me the photo of her and Mike as they walked down the aisle for the first time.  I was standing at the end of the aisle and got to be in that photo. I also caught the bouquet that day…it was by far one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended.

From that point on Susie, became Sue McCance.  Being married to Mike, for her, was like being in heaven every day.  Tragically he departed, and now she’s joined him.

Another vivid memory was when we were driving side-by-side on Highway 1.  We never stopped, we just yelled out the window.  Sue and Judy were on their way to Rocky Point Restaurant in Big Sur, where she would go every year to have a meal and celebrate her and Mike’s wedding anniversary.  The man I had been with for many years since high school were on our way to get married with a small impromptu ceremony out in Carmel Valley.  There were only three people that were attending.  Sue followed our car, and miraculously attended our small wedding. My wedding day ended up being on the same exact day that her and Mike got married!!  The few of us went to eat after nearby, and before we left the restaurant, Sue had gone out and got some cans and tied it to our car, and then threw some rice as we drove away!  Her typical joyous prank!

Through the years, Susie became fairy godmother to my two children…Najona and Tori.  They adored her!

Another vivid memory, which is when Sue surprised me and put on my 60th birthday party at the Pebble Beach golf club.  What an unbelievable generous gift she gave me that day.

Within this year she came to Maui to stay at my house… it was the last time I saw her in person… but I will join her at some point and be with her eternally. Until then I will miss her dearly.❤️