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Susan Keith Obituary
10/11/1960 - 06/19/2020
Susan RoBards Keith, 59, of Eugene, Oregon died on June 19, 2020. Susan is survived by her spouse, Jeanne Perry, her sister, Cynthia Keith, of Charlotte, NC, beloved cousins, nephew, niece and cherished friends.
Susan had a warrior-like stance in defense of equity and fairness, a love for animals and all living things, and tremendous loyalty to her family and friends, who deeply miss her intelligence, magnetic personality, wry humor, courage, gifts for language and music, and most of all her kind and hugely generous heart.
She was born on October 11, 1960, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the late Priscilla Atkinson Keith and Rodney RoBards Keith. She received her Bachelors degree from Mount Holyoke College, and graduated cum laude from Emory University School of Law where she was a member of the Order of the Coif.
Susan first practiced law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom in New York. Later she moved to Los Angeles and became Vice President at Universal Studios. Susan also enjoyed doing pro bono work, tirelessly contributing to the causes of battered women, expanding the definition of family to include gay and lesbian parents, and fighting for First Amendment freedoms. In recognition, she was awarded the Wiley M. Manuel Pro Bono Service Award by The State Bar of California.
Susan volunteered as a soccer coach with the Special Olympics, and was an advisor to the Gay Men's Health Crisis, and a board member of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. She also served on the Boards of the Multiple Sclerosis Society in California and Oregon. Based on her service, Susan won numerous awards, at both the local and national levels, for her fundraising prowess and advocacy, including the Norman Cohn Hope award, the highest volunteer award for civic action. For her work on Disability Rights she was given a County of Los Angeles Commendation.
Susan was an accomplished writer and poet. She won the first-place prize in the Margaret Reid Traditional Verse Poetry contest and was a finalist for a number of other prizes including the New Letters, Alexander Cappon Award for Fiction, and the Fish International Poetry Prize. Her poems and short stories were published in various literary journals and collections.
In 2006, Susan and Jeanne, moved to Eugene where they were active in Soromundi: Lesbian Chorus of Eugene. Susan was an avid University of Oregon Women's Basketball fan and loved her courtside seat.
In Susan's favorite quote, lines that could have been invented specifically for her, Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
A celebration of life will be held when safe gatherings are once again possible. Memorial donations can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Keith
Cynthia A. Aziz
March 17, 2025
I realize this is written several years after Susan's death, but I cannot ignore this strange but lovely reminder of Susan's natural instinct of kindness. I was a classmate of Susan's at Mt Holyoke College and also an American Studies major. Recently as in last weekend, one of our college professors was sorting through one of her colleague's books who had recently died. Out of the book fell a hand written invitation signed by Susan Keith. She was inviting members of the campus to a welcome back party in my honor as I was returning to campus after a very serious accident.
I have been living in Charlotte, NC for many years and never knew until chatting with our mutual beloved professor and friend Jane Crosthwaite that Susan was born and raised here. Jane was the one who was sorting her colleague, Prof. Eugenia "Fi" Herbert's books.
Cynthia Keith, we share the same first name and beautiful memories of a cherished woman whose kindness has no bounds.
Cynthia A. Aziz
Clarissa King
October 27, 2020
Susan and I met freshman year at Mt. Holyoke College and were American Studies majors together. I am so sorry to hear about her passing and send my condolences to you Jeanne and to your families. Though she carried a southern gentleness in voice, I knew she would speak out for others through her brilliance and sense of justice. It sounds like her life path did just that.
Marcia James
October 12, 2020
I think I probably met Susan as soon as she came to Eugene, because of the arts. She attended a wide variety of events so was a frequent attender at the Hult Center. Noteable was how there were always folks surrounding her - she seemed to know many people which is no wonder with her broad, genuine involvement across the community. She made me an impact on me for her ability.
Mary G Van Amringe
October 12, 2020
Susan had a great smile and laugh as I recall when we were American Studies majors together in college. Sending my sincere condolences!
JULIE MacLusky
October 12, 2020
Feel privileged to have known this wonderful woman and to have been able to call her a friend - she added a luster to every meeting, every event that she hosted - she was gold. Funny, clever, one of those who can wear their learning and intelligence lightly - a loving, loyal friend - comfortingly old school and southern in her generous welcome and hospitality. Sending you love and support, Jeanne, and the deepest appreciation for the life of Susan, a life well-worth living, and well lived.
Ariana Fancher
October 12, 2020
Every Tuesday night Susan would be sitting in the front row of our choir practice. Always smiling, singing... And I knew it wasn't easy for her. But she was always there. Always ready for the next song. Ready to let her voice rise up in song as one with so many women alongside her, supporting and uplifting her as she supported and lifted us up.
I didn't know Susan very well, but I got to share some special moments with her that I cherish. Susan was a one of a kind special person. She will be missed in this world, but not forgotten.♡♡♡
Sandra Shepard
October 11, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. My heartfelt condolences. Class of 1978 Sandra Dunbar
Sandra Shepard
October 11, 2020
My condolences. I was thinking about you Susan, and saw that I checked in, May, too. I knew her in High School and send sincere and heart felt condolences. She fought the good fight with humor and valor. Sandra Dunbar Class if 1978 CCDS
Geovany Hernandez
October 11, 2020
Susan was there for my family since we had the pleasure of meeting her.
She gave my mother the opportunity to work for her in Los Angeles and we were all deeply saddened when she left to Oregon. I still remember always being welcomed at the Laurel Canyon house by both Susan and Jeanne. I was about 12 at the time and my mother would have to take me to work with her. Susan was always so welcoming and warm hearted pushing me to aim high. She brought love, and acceptance to all that were lucky to meet her and this world has truly lost a light. On behalf of my mother Edith and myself we will continue to remember you for the rest of our times. Know that you made a huge impact on us all.
Jeanne we send all our love.
Jody Huckins
October 11, 2020
Open, honest, fun, generous and VERY brave
Dara Gilbert
October 11, 2020
I will always remember the love and joy that Susan and Jeanne shared. It was contagious. our runs on the beach and fabulous pool parties in Laurel Canyon were most memorable. The world is a darker place without your shining light.
Jeanne, send love in these difficult times.
Janey Buttermore
October 11, 2020
Wonderful family friend. Susan was kind and generous. Missing a lovely person. Love to Jeanne.
Lorna Cedarwolf
October 11, 2020
You are missed Susan, my heart is filled for you Jeanne, may the Goddess be with you.
Ana Vidrio
October 11, 2020
Susan was a very good person with everyone. Even when she was going through a rough time she kept her sense of humor.
Marci Cody
October 11, 2020
Susan was a gift to anyone that knew her. I thoroughly enjoyed, and now miss, the thought provoking and humorous conversations we shared. Her talents, dedication to service, and generosity throughout her life are admired and greatly appreciated. People like Susan help our world become that much better. She was well loved by many.
Laura Wayte
October 11, 2020
Reading this obituary today, in this strange time of COVID where the progress through life's big milestones don't happen normally, is such a wonderful surprise. I miss Susan so much all the time, but it is lovely to read in a concrete way that she was here and important in the world to those of us who loved her and to others whom she touched through her good work.
I met Susan in 2006 or 2007. Jeanne contacted me for voice lessons and was one of my very first students in Eugene. She and Susan, almost immediately, became important people in my new Oregon life. They became the doting aunts to my young children, and to my dogs. They became supporters of my drive to perform and create. They became friends I turned to when life was challenging. And they, Susan in particular, showed me what it means to live and celebrate life despite anything it might throw at you.
Susan had a drive to live and love fully, even when she didn't feel well. She continued to believe in her personal growth and in her ability to help others despite the personal overwhelm she must have constantly carried. Her smile and laugh were infectious and beautiful. We all miss her at my house.
Maybe I'll say more later, but these are my thoughts on this rainy, fall morning. I'll go do some work that I am dreading, because it is difficult and challenging, with Susan in my heart.
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