Susan K Chandler (Martinson)

Susan was a passionate quilter, doll collector and disability advocate who was involved in many charitable activities and causes. Susan leaves behind her loving husband Ed, son John (Kerry), daughter Margaret (Brett), stepsons Lee and Michael and grandchildren Max, Emily, Geoffrey and grandnephew Wyatt, as well as her sisters Priscilla (Ed McDaniel) and Margaret. We came to think of her as our own "force of nature" for her endless energy, enthusiasm and activities.

Susan was the eldest of three sisters to parents Jack and Virginia Martinson. The family moved often, due to Jack's service in the U.S. Air Force, living in many states as well as Yokohama, Japan. Susan and her first husband married and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1965 where they had two children John and Margaret.

Susan sustained a spinal injury after a fall in 1981 and became a paraplegic. As a wheelchair user Susan learned a new way of life and found new purpose. Shortly thereafter Susan earned an M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Utah and became involved in the Independent Living Movement and advocacy work on behalf of those with disabilities. She participated in protests to pressure Congress into signing the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Susan was President of the nonprofit Californians for Disability Rights and in San Luis Obispo she served on the board of Access for All. Her committed advocacy for those with disabilities remained steadfast and inspired many others to join the movement to remove stigmas and barriers for all.

Susan and Ed Chandler married and moved to Los Osos in 2006 after their retirement. Susan was a leader in local charitable sewing groups and belonged to every quilt guild in the county. She was an active member of the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society and tended to a beautiful garden. She was a familiar face and "unofficial guide" in the Elfin Forest in Los Osos. Her activities led her to become friendly with many groups and she loved them all. An extrovert and an extremely social person, she found meaning and joy in her interactions with others.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.