Susan Izumo

Izumo, Susan Kindness. Integrity. Faith. Service. Courage. These are some of the words that people have used to describe Susan Izumo of Westlake Village. Susan, 58, passed away on October 9, 2005, as a result of advanced renal cancer. Susan was born on May 14, 1947 in Santa Monica, CA. She graduated from South High School in Torrance, CA, earned her bachelor of arts degree in political science and master of arts degree in education from Whittier College, and a masters degree in counseling from California Lutheran University. Susan had a distinguished and accomplished career in education. She was the first Dean of Women for Pepperdine University's Malibu campus, Director of Admissions for California Lutheran University, and Articulation Officer and a counselor for Moorpark College. Her career was about meaning and joy - not work and tasks. Susan looked forward to work and how she could make a positive contribution. Through the quality of her work and grace of her conduct, Susan earned the respect and high regard of her colleagues, students and administrators. Susan's desire to serve extended beyond her career and into the communities in which she lived - whether it was a volunteer at a church, a school, an advocate for someone less fortunate, or a helping hand for someone in need. The positive difference Susan made in people's lives has been recounted in so many stories shared over the years by former students, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. She had a special way of making people comfortable and a quick wit that made others laugh. Susan cherished her friends, enjoyed reading, and always was ready to go see a good movie. Most importantly, Susan loved her children and family. She did the little and big things to make life in the Izumo home nurturing and happy. Susan looked forward to the outings the family would take, whether it was going to a destination in Los Angeles, a weekend in Cambria, or a trip to Hawaii. Susan is survived by her husband of 23 years, Gary; children, Kelsey Elizabeth and Matthew, all of Westlake Village; mother, Betty Brown of Thousand Oaks; father and his wife, Bill and Dee Brown of Banning; mother-in-law, Koto Izumo of Thousand Oaks; and her German Shepard pal, Prince. So many have prayed and helped the Izumo family during Susan's journey over the past months. Thank you so much. A service to celebrate Susan's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361, (818)889-1491. Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks (818) 889-0902