Growing up, I had the good fortune to live just 5 doors down from the amazing Betz family. Susie was my babysitter, and someone I've always looked up to, and admired, for so many reasons. I have fond memories of my time with her, growing up in our little neighborhood in San Mateo. No matter what, if she saw me outside - on any errand or on her way to work, she always stopped for a brief hello - usually in uniform, in that beautiful little car of hers - curious about what I was up to, and letting me know where in the world she was headed. She was never, ever too busy for me, just a little kid from down the street.

My wife, Bonnie, and I had the good fortune to see her briefly in mid-January. Little did we know what was to come. I'll treasure our time together, always.

Forever in my heart. God bless you, Susie... you'll always be one of my heroes.

Our fairy Godmother - Auntie Sue

Sue came into our lives in 2000, and as with many others I am sure, with a whirl and a smile and always, a plan.

We were tenants in 565 Trinidad Lane first, but later became deep friends that pined to spend time together; yet many thousands of miles far-away in “dark Africa” - we were her Zulus…

Danielle and Johanette were just young girls of 6 and 4 at the time, and we are sure Auntie Sue was an enigma to them, especially when she got on her Harley in those days. Her mom’s Volvo served her well and carried us many a time to some place or another where she had to be. The red pick-up a much prided “gift from Mr Chambers” given the shares she could sell in Cisco. She was a shrewd investor!

Huey was her friend (amongst many others), and we and Frank buried the Lab that didn’t make the cut at the school for the blind, in her backyard in pouring rain; please DO NOT inform the authorities.

We sooo dearly appreciated it when she came to visit us in South Africa, the wine at Groot Constantia was devine, but the “snoek” fish too strong for her palette. Hendrik was not entirely displeased; more for him ;-)

We shared some trials and tribulations as our families and friends went through the challenges of life’s journey, but it was always with care and concern for others. …and phoning someone to see if they could not lean in to help, or open a door.

An amazing women that was an anchor to family and friends with always a kind word to those that served her and us at the check-out, or at the table at her much loved golf clubs in Monterrey and San Mateo. Her anchor was her religion, and attending Mass at the monastery just the way to start the day. Our visits with her to attend service were special occasions, and the sisters were regularly helped and driven around when needed.

It was always special to visit Sue at Raccoon Trail, the cabin in the back was always welcoming, but when we arrived after Covid, we could see it had taken its toll. She did not even want to go and putt at the club. We were thankful that we could do small things for her, and Hendrik just loved taking the Mickey out of her during our bouts of Scrabble.

“Ohhh Hendrik”, still rings in our ears when we shared sad news on our side, and we remember saying goodbye to her the last time at the airport in 2023: “we will probably not be able to come again” - the sadness was written in her eyes…

Little did we know, it would be the last time that we would touch and hug.

And now we all have our dear memories - may it always be with fondness and a twinkle in our eyes when we remember our fairy Godmother - Auntie Sue.