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Susan Angerame Obituary
November 26, 2014
Age 65Susan Angerame (nee Headley) died peacefully receiving hospice care in her beloved North Beach apartment where she lived for over 35 years. She retired in June of this year from Shartsis Friese LLP after 24 years of service and was diagnosed with cancer in late September.
Susan was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Dorothy T. Headley and the late William E. Headley. She is preceded in death by her mother, father and sister, Lynn Headley Gorman. She is survived by her other sister, Ann Headley Jones. Also surviving are Susan's niece, Robyn G. Suppa and her husband, Matt and their children as well as Susan's nephew, Christopher and his children all of Buffalo, NY.
Susan was an award winning photographer, gifted writer, poet and painter. She was a "child of the 60s" who lived life fully, first in Chicago and then in San Francisco which she called home.
Susan will be missed by partner and musician, Mark Holzinger and former husband and filmmaker, Dominic Angerame. Also missing her will be close friends and most especially Ira, Mary, her two Colleens, Trish and Susan as well as the many friends she made in St. Louis where she was a frequent visitor.
A small gathering of family and friends will be held in January with funeral arrangements directed by The Neptune Society of Northern California. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Angerame
Sponsored by Ann Headley Jones.
Dominic Angerame
November 25, 2022
Dominic Angerame
November 25, 2022
Dominic Angerame
November 25, 2022
Your spirit still brings a smile into my heart.
Thank you for your brightness it still shines.
Love,
Dominic
Sharol Duenas
November 30, 2021
Susan was the sweetest woman. So caring and loving. She is still remembered fondly and still missed. Mark-sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
Mark Holzinger
November 26, 2021
Another year passes... I remember where we all were 7 years ago from tonight as we whispered our final goodbyes to our beloved Susan. She had retired from work only shortly before feeling the pains that would soon grow. She had come to enjoy venturing into new parts of the city to find new and interesting things to make for dinner. I felt it was all so damn unfair, couldn't she have been able to at least enjoy those simple pleasures?? The sadness for me will never leave but it gets a little easier with time. Missing you tonight dearest...
Dominic Angerame
November 26, 2021
Your spirit still guides me thru when things look bleak! Happy that have finally evolved past samsara.
Dominic Angerame
November 25, 2019
Your spirit is with me always.
Mark Holzinger
November 29, 2018
Susan, I missed you again over Thanksgiving, and will miss sharing your birthday. It's still hard to believe that you were taken from us, and how cruel and unfair this happened right after you retired. You deserved so many more years. I loved how after you left your job you enjoyed walking around town to discover something new and interesting for dinner. What a fun thing that was for you, you deserved that, was it too much to ask that you could still be doing that and so many other things you wanted to do. Life isn't fair, we all miss you and love you. I can only hope you are off having fun somewhere and doing fulfilling things.
November 27, 2018
11/28/2018
Susan, I wish I could tell you that I am married again. You would have liked him as he is a Sagittarius like you. You were at my first wedding, I wish you could have been there at the judge's chambers for this one, as you were one of my special best friends.
I would have known you 52 years this year. We could have talked about being the big 70, and how it does not seem possible, because we were just college roomies at Kendall College( seems like the other day right ,give or take a few years!)
Years go by, and still I can not believe you have been taken from us.
Miss you ...
Cathy (Schwartz)Swiercz
Dominic Angerame
November 23, 2018
Another Thanksgiving without you. I am thankful that we were able to share more than 45 of them together. You are in all of our hearts
Dominic
Dominic
November 26, 2017
It has been three years since your passing. I miss you dearly and think of you often especially at this time. Your spirit remains alive in the heart of my soul
Dominic
Dominic
November 26, 2017
It has been three years since your passing and miss you dearly especially at Thanksgiving. Your spirit still lives in the soul of my heart. I loved you dearly
November 24, 2017
Wish I could call and say Happy Birthday Susan, and ask how are things? I still can't believe it. Many times I still think you are out in California, and we could finish that witty, philosophical conversation,catch up on our daily lives..., your office, my work, remember when ..., in our college days, your paintings, ...
You are not forgotten.
Cathy
Early Days San Francisco
October 23, 2017
October 23, 2017
At Cafe Roma San Francisco
Dominic Angerame
October 23, 2017
Early days in San Francisco
Dominic Angerame
October 23, 2017
In Chicago Art Gallery
Dominic Angerame
October 23, 2017
Mark Holzinger
November 29, 2016
Hello dear friends,
As we finish up Thanksgiving and enter Susan's birthday I find myself feeling very empty and depressed, something is definitely missing, and it is her.
'They' say after a couple years things get easier when missing a loved one. I will say that the sadness can still be very intense and will probably remain that way, but thankfully the sadness sometimes leaves me for a while... it always comes back but it does give me a bit of a break now and then these days. It comes back when I read a love story, or hear of someone else's passing, or the passing of her favorite musicians and writers, when I think of things she liked, fun memories, things around the apartment, her artwork, this list goes on...
Oh wow, two years? It has that feeling of being a short while ago and yet a long time ago as well, I guess such tragic feelings have a way of distorting ones sense of time and reality.
I was very fortunate to have shared a good amount of time with Susan, around 13 years, not nearly as long as you all. We got along so well that it was just so nice sitting in the same room with her, even just reading, watching movies or doing nothing... I miss that.
Much love to you on the remembrance of your birthday Susan, and many thanks for all of the fun times you brought to us.
Mark
Calling all Angels
Dominic Angerame
November 26, 2016
November 4, 2016
I wish you could come with me is one of the last few words I heard Susan say in the last days of her life. We both knew it was the end in late September when she called me and said three words one never wants to hear from a loved one I have Cancer.
I became angry, was in denial and we were both crying in a matter of seconds. You need to be strong for me, she said with such clarity. My head was still trying to wrap itself around this new development. Susan had been in pain since she retired in June. 2014
Then we both knew that the end was coming and that it would be soon. She asked me how long did I think she had left. My gut answered three months. Within two months she would no longer be alive.
Our 45 year relationship came to a brief end early on the evening of November 26, 2014. It was on the river of time when we met as blind dates at the Woodstock Rock Festival in 69. I fell in love immediately and of course she wanted nothing to do with me.
I moved to Chicago in 1971. I knew no one and found out Susan had moved there also. I wrote her mom my address and asked where Susan was living. I was cooking a Thanksgiving turkey for myself. I heard a knock on my door and it was Susan. We had a great meal, she spent the nite and never left, much to my happy surprise and dismay. In Chicago she almost killed me when my first paycheck went to buy a piece of film editing equipment. Our days in Chicago were as tough as the wintery weather. She worked for Woolworths, a bookstore, selling Ira's jewelry, at an insurance company and for the Encyclopedia Britannica. She visited San Francisco and fell in love with the Bay Area. Her buddhist guru Lillian lived in Berkeley and she wanted to be near her. We married late in our relationship. Why I have no idea since neither of us believed in marriage and we remained intimate friends even after our divorce a few years later.
We traveled together, lived an incredibly adventurous life and shared experiences that can only be written as a novel.
Through you we met important spritual beings such as Lillian, Ira Rose, Trungpa Ripoche, John Giorno and Ram Dass. You developed a spiritual path of Buddhism. Always thoughtful and treating others with great kindness. Your humility is beyond comprehension.
When I gave her a polaroid camera for Christmas she complained what the hell am I going to do with this. Before long she had become an amazing photographer. Far too humble to show most of her work. The same can be said with her paintings and drawings.
She was there for me throughout all my open heart surgeries and operations. When I was a falling down drunk in the alley she called the ambulance or listened for awhile in my late nite drunken phone calls and looked into my picture windows downstairs where we shared the same building to make sure there were signs of life. I never thanked her for helping me find a way to cope with my addictions.
Susan was always more concerned about others then she was herself.
I regret the times I treated her badly and just did not understand what how special she was. Life is so clear with 20 20 hindsight.
We suffered much and grew much grew apart and then even closer.
Such is the nature of this life and in my heart she will be a part of me as I grow in this new chapter.
She believed in me when everyone else gave up and we recognized that for better and worse we were soul mates.
We were not able to live together , however, not even able to live apart from one another
You are all I had in this world Susan and I am sure I will meet you again on the river of time.
All my love.
Dominic
Cathy Cybak
May 2, 2016
Susan was my wonderful friend and college roommate at Kendall College . We had a lot of good times together.
Our friendship lasted after college, through her move from living in Chicago to California. Well we continued being friends ....
Susan would send me the funniest cards and write a letter with it; and of course always being a little philosophical, and witty. I actually kept a few they were so good and still treasure them! I always looked forward to hearing from her . I was better at calling on the phone from Chicago than writing.
Unfortunately, we lost touch in the last couple years. I regret that it was only 2 days ago that I learned of her passing and was deeply saddened; devastated. She was a specially unique individual. I will miss her.
At school we were known as Schwartz and Headley!
To Dominick Angerame, Mark Holzinger, her sister Ann ,my heart goes out to you for your incredible loss.
Cathy Schwartz Cybak
Prayer Bead Offerinc
December 24, 2015
Here are photos of Susan's prayer beads I place at the Cemetary in Havana on December 2015. An offering to the heavens.
Always with love,
Dominic Angerame
She's with the Angles\\
Dominic Angerame
December 1, 2015
Mark Holzinger
November 30, 2015
Very nice to hear from you Mary Jocobi. Although I never met you and only heard about you from time to time, it is good to hear your stories, thank you. Today would be Tootie's birthday. It's still so very hard to believe that this is not some terrible dream.... Mark
November 28, 2015
We were best friends growing up on Westfield Rd. near Buffalo. We always called her "Tootie", a nickname her father gave her. We went to Woodstock together with Dominic. So sorry we fell out of touch with each other. May God hold you in His loving arms, Tootie.
Mary Jacobi
Smile!
Donna, Phil & Andy Cameron Sloan
January 14, 2015
Love you Susan! We'll always remember the sparkling waterfall of your laugh and smile!
Peter Swift
December 28, 2014
I was with Susan at college in 1966. She was a very special friend to me then in my first experience away from home. I went to visit her in Buffalo in 1969 for a bit and then got on my motorcycle to go to Woodstock. Had a bad accident and haven't seen her since, but always thought of her warm kindness. I'm so sorry that after all these years I looked her up shortly after her death. Broke my heart.
Colleen Planting
December 28, 2014
My dear friend Suzzi, I miss you! We shared many years of musical events, monthly lunches and weekend sleepovers! She was a sweet soul, a loyal friend and good sister to me. She is always in my heart. Enjoy your journey and keep watch over us!
Sharol Duenas
December 11, 2014
Susan was a special lady! I adored her from the first day I met her and it only grew from there. She always brought me laughter and smiles. Truly saddened to hear of her passing. Sending her family and friends positive thoughts and prayers. May you rest in peace dear sweet Susan. <3
Bud Hazelcorn
December 10, 2014
I, too, am greatly saddened to hear of Susan's departure. Though I hadn't seen her in many years, her smile and kindness are as alive in me today as then.
mark holzinger
December 9, 2014
I fell in love with Susan the first time I saw her lovely smile. I was so enthused I wouldn't take no for an answer! although she tried to tell me she didn't have much to offer. Oh, was that not true, she allowed me to be myself. And from what I have heard from her sister Ann and friends that she appreciated that I let her be herself too. We simply enjoyed being in the same room together just chilling out, among many fun adventures.... There was much to get done while she was sick, and thankfully all of her 'home-team' friends and family were there when she passed to hold her hand and tell her how much we loved her, whispered thanks for being our friend and wished her safe travels on her upcoming adventures. When her breath finally faded her pained expression slowly turned to a smile and we knew she was feeling better and on her way. After all of the many things we all did during her sickness: sorting her paintings, photos and belongings following her passing, a few days later it hit me very hard when I came home from a normal weekend gig and realized she wasn't there to ask me how my night went. She would usually be happy that I was home safe and then would go off to sleep. I cried all night and made sure to offer her her spot on her favorite pillow. You are so missed my dear....many tears, love Mark
Mary Marsh
December 8, 2014
I was glad to know Susan, a good soul with a great smile. She will be missed.
Robyn Suppa
December 8, 2014
May you rest in peace my Beautiful Aunt Susie. Your heart was always filled with love and so much peace. You always had a way to turn any negative into a peaceful positive. I will hear your giggle and your sweet voice always and forever holding the memory of your beautiful smile in my heart forever and always peace & Love xo- Rob
Robyn Gorman Suppa
December 8, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Marie Lewis
December 3, 2014
What a gentle soul, gone too soon. My condolences to her loved ones.
Leslie Chu
December 3, 2014
Suzie-Q, you will be missed.
Dominic Angerame
December 3, 2014
Sweet Heart I miss you dearly. Much love always.
Dominic
David G.
December 3, 2014
A true free spirit. we'd talk all the time at work about music and art. will be missed.
Sue Holzinger
December 2, 2014
What a sweet, gentle spirit Susie had, and was always so generous and fun. She was a very important part of our family, and will be so very greatly missed. She is gone from us way too soon. She will always be in our thoughts and in our prayers. May all who loved her feel God's loving arms comforting them especially at this time.
Winnie
December 2, 2014
Susie brought joy and happiness into my life every time I had the pleasure of spending time with her. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in everlasting peace.
Linda Chu
December 2, 2014
Susan,
I'm sad that you're gone but I'm glad that you are finally pain free. Everyone will miss you.
Melissa Artola
December 2, 2014
I enjoyed working with Susan over the years at Shartsis. I have missed her since she left and was saddened when she became ill. I will remember and think of her often. God Bless you Susan, you lovely lady.
December 2, 2014
Susie, such a beautiful spirit. I loved her smile and her laugh. She brought such joy to all around her.
Jackie Byrd
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