Sally Sue Susan (Richmond) Kleibrink
January 2, 1929 - May 1, 2017
Resident of Santa Cruz
Sally Sue Susan Richmond Kleibrink wanted to live to be 100 so she could be interviewed on the TV news. She fell 12 years short of her goal on the morning of May 1, 2017, at Capitola's Pacific Coast Manor where she was recuperating from a stroke. The Santa Cruz, California, resident was born in New York City on January 2, 1929, to George and Jean Richmond of Queens, NY. Her parents and two brothers, Henry and Bruce Richmond, and son Drew Kleibrink died before her.
Named most naive in her senior year of high school, Sue studied English language at Adelphi University and obtained a Masters in Library Science from Pratt Institute. She served as librarian at New York Public Library and established the school library in Bonnie Doon, California. She was thrilled with the internet–a library open 24/7.
Sue was curious about the world, loved learning new things and meeting new people. She was a friendly, outgoing person and these traits led her to meeting her future husband, Paul Kleibrink, when she traveled to Europe one summer. On Bastille Day. 1949 (July 14) at a youth hostel in Amsterdam, Holland, Sue asked Paul to translate a Dutch newspaper story and an epic romance was sparked.
Returning to New York and her job on Wall Street, Sue requested time off to visit Paul. Sue's boss inquired, "Miss Richmond–what's more important to you- international finance or your boyfriend?" She took stock of her options.
Her Wall Street job didn't last, but the romance did. Sue and Paul corresponded by trans oceanic mail for 4 years before they married on Flag Day. 1953 (June 14) in Forest Hills, NY.
The newlyweds lived in Manhattan. Their son, Drew, suffered from asthma and doctors advised a change of climate. Paul had requested a transfer with IBM 9 months before. Sue knew to get results you have to contact the top person who could make decisions. She liked to share the advice she got from her mom, "No you have, yes you might get." Sue wrote to the company's president , telling him she was unhappy that she had to take her son to the doctor every other week. Sue and Paul transferred with IBM to Rialto, California in May 1960--four days after Sue sent her letter.
Sue always did the best she could for her children as well as their friends and was appalled at anyone who would mistreat a child. A banner in her home quotes teacher/scholar Forest E. Witcraft: "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."
Sue believed that people were basically kind. She always kept her door open to her home and her heart. One of the things Paul liked most about her was that she always believed in the goodness and positive aspects of people. With her, you always started with 100%--your actions could earn you demerits.
Sue was empathetic and would even cry at dog food commercials. Sue strongly believed all individuals have inherent worth and dignity and the potential to grow and change. She was a member of the Ethical Culture Society. She believed we are enriched through our relationships with each other. She strived for ethical growth in her relationships with others, and created a better world by making life better for everyone she met. She believed in ethics, social justice, improving the environment, and education, and worked to make the world a better place by promoting civil society and peace. She encouraged respect for humanity and nature and always provided words of encouragement and understanding.
Sue moved with her family to Santa Cruz in 1975, where she was active in an investment club, play reading group, and gourmet group. She was a realtor and enjoyed architecture and design. She loved discussing politics and was open to ideas and opinions, supported the AAUW for over 50 years, as well as local theater and symphonies.
Sue is survived by her husband of 63 years, Paul Kleibrink, and daughters Pamela Kleibrink Thompson and Regina Kleibrink Shapiro, and grandchildren Hugo Pickford-Wardle, Erika Kleibrink, Jeffery "Goat" Wilson, Kolin Shapiro, and Kearney Thompson. She also has 6 great grandchildren.
Sue had an uncanny ability to establish a heart-felt connection with every human being whose path crossed hers. She welcomed everyone to her home and for many was a role model and positive influence, planting the seed of universal acceptance. She made an impact on countless people and still does. When you show you care about others, you'll discover others care about you too.
Sue wanted people to laugh and share stories "about the stupid things I did." If you have stories or feelings you want to share, feel free to post on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sue.kleibrink?ref=br_rs#. You can also participate in a celebration of life which will be held in July in Santa Cruz, California. Details will be posted on Sue Kleibrink's Facebook page and in the Santa Cruz Sentinel in June.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice or one of Sue's favorites:
The AAUW Santa Cruz County Local Scholarship Fund http://santacruz-ca.aauw.net/scholarships/
To share a memory or condolence with Sally Sue's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.

View the online memorial for Sally Sue Susan (Richmond) Kleibrink