Susan Graf Marineau, a visionary leader in the arts, lifelong champion for women and families, and beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on December 22, 2025. She was 79.
Born in Rogers Park, Illinois in 1946, Sue was the daughter of John Graf, a school teacher, and Lucille Graf, a dedicated mother and active volunteer. It was at St Ignatius Elementary School that she first met Phil Marineau, beginning a lifelong friendship that would blossom into a 57-year marriage. Their bond remained unbreakable even across the miles, as they dated through high school and stayed committed while Sue attended the University of Illinois and Phil attended Georgetown, and during Phil's service in Vietnam. Together, they traveled the world, finding adventure at every turn. Following their wedding in 1968, they welcomed two children, Philip and Anne.
Sue was an incredible mom and wife, pouring the same boundless love, wisdom, and energy into raising her family that she brought to every other part of her life. Sue is remembered for her vibrant presence and infectious laugh. Her family and close friends knew her as the person who never let a birthday pass without a handwritten card, and as a captivating conversation partner across the dinner table. Her friends and family speak of her fierce loyalty, talent for creating the perfect atmosphere for any occasion, and love of bringing people together.
Sue believed deeply that organizations should lead by example to create a better world. She dedicated her life to serving nonprofits that championed gender equity and empowered women in their personal and professional lives. She helped open a domestic violence center in Evanston, Illinois; founded Friends of Battered Women and Their Children (now named Between Friends) and served as Community Vice President of the Association of Junior Leagues.
A transformative philanthropist, Sue devoted herself to the betterment of the world around her, serving in leadership roles for the Women's Foundation of California and the Women's Funding Network. As a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Chicago Foundation for Women, she co-chaired the endowment campaign that helped ensure the foundation's long-term sustainability. Later when she and Phil moved to California, Sue served as a trustee for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of San Francisco.
It was the world of opera where Sue's passion for the arts and uncanny ability to take organizations to the next level fused. She helped to guide the Santa Fe Opera in various roles for 15 years, including a six-year term as President and five-year term as Chair of the Board. Her leadership extended nationally as Chair of OPERA America and as a member of the San Francisco Opera board, which she joined in 2021. To Sue, opera wasn't just an art form. It had the power to transform people's lives - especially female creators - as Sue would often note the critical nature of female representation in the Arts. Along with her husband Phil, the two created grant programs at the Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera and OPERA America for female directors, conductors and designers. In recognition of her service, she was named the recipient of the 2022 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award from OPERA America.
But perhaps Sue's greatest accomplishment is the legacy she leaves behind as a mother and grandmother, wife and daughter. She was an avid painter and known dog whisperer whose generosity and love for family and friends will never be forgotten. Some of her most joyful moments include traveling abroad with her husband, walking the beach with her beloved dog Maddie, and spending quality time with her grandsons. She led her life with grace, listened deeply, and maintained a heroic optimism even while navigating illness in her final years. She passed away just in time to celebrate Christmas - her favorite holiday - in heaven with her cherished parents, Lucille and John Graf.
She is survived by her husband, Phil; her son Phil; daughter Anne; daughter-in-law Dana; grandchildren JP and Michael; brother John, sister-in-law Maureen and their children, Carly and Delaney.
The family will hold two celebration of life events in late January, one in San Francisco and one in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sue's cherished opera houses: San Francisco Opera or Santa Fe Opera.
Born in Rogers Park, Illinois in 1946, Sue was the daughter of John Graf, a school teacher, and Lucille Graf, a dedicated mother and active volunteer. It was at St Ignatius Elementary School that she first met Phil Marineau, beginning a lifelong friendship that would blossom into a 57-year marriage. Their bond remained unbreakable even across the miles, as they dated through high school and stayed committed while Sue attended the University of Illinois and Phil attended Georgetown, and during Phil's service in Vietnam. Together, they traveled the world, finding adventure at every turn. Following their wedding in 1968, they welcomed two children, Philip and Anne.
Sue was an incredible mom and wife, pouring the same boundless love, wisdom, and energy into raising her family that she brought to every other part of her life. Sue is remembered for her vibrant presence and infectious laugh. Her family and close friends knew her as the person who never let a birthday pass without a handwritten card, and as a captivating conversation partner across the dinner table. Her friends and family speak of her fierce loyalty, talent for creating the perfect atmosphere for any occasion, and love of bringing people together.
Sue believed deeply that organizations should lead by example to create a better world. She dedicated her life to serving nonprofits that championed gender equity and empowered women in their personal and professional lives. She helped open a domestic violence center in Evanston, Illinois; founded Friends of Battered Women and Their Children (now named Between Friends) and served as Community Vice President of the Association of Junior Leagues.
A transformative philanthropist, Sue devoted herself to the betterment of the world around her, serving in leadership roles for the Women's Foundation of California and the Women's Funding Network. As a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Chicago Foundation for Women, she co-chaired the endowment campaign that helped ensure the foundation's long-term sustainability. Later when she and Phil moved to California, Sue served as a trustee for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of San Francisco.
It was the world of opera where Sue's passion for the arts and uncanny ability to take organizations to the next level fused. She helped to guide the Santa Fe Opera in various roles for 15 years, including a six-year term as President and five-year term as Chair of the Board. Her leadership extended nationally as Chair of OPERA America and as a member of the San Francisco Opera board, which she joined in 2021. To Sue, opera wasn't just an art form. It had the power to transform people's lives - especially female creators - as Sue would often note the critical nature of female representation in the Arts. Along with her husband Phil, the two created grant programs at the Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera and OPERA America for female directors, conductors and designers. In recognition of her service, she was named the recipient of the 2022 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award from OPERA America.
But perhaps Sue's greatest accomplishment is the legacy she leaves behind as a mother and grandmother, wife and daughter. She was an avid painter and known dog whisperer whose generosity and love for family and friends will never be forgotten. Some of her most joyful moments include traveling abroad with her husband, walking the beach with her beloved dog Maddie, and spending quality time with her grandsons. She led her life with grace, listened deeply, and maintained a heroic optimism even while navigating illness in her final years. She passed away just in time to celebrate Christmas - her favorite holiday - in heaven with her cherished parents, Lucille and John Graf.
She is survived by her husband, Phil; her son Phil; daughter Anne; daughter-in-law Dana; grandchildren JP and Michael; brother John, sister-in-law Maureen and their children, Carly and Delaney.
The family will hold two celebration of life events in late January, one in San Francisco and one in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sue's cherished opera houses: San Francisco Opera or Santa Fe Opera.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Susan Graf Marineau, please visit our flower store.
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