Susan Godfrey

Susan Godfrey

October 17, 1945 - February 15, 2025

Susan Godfrey passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Encinitas, California, following a second stroke. She had previously made an incredible recovery from her first stroke 19 months earlier.

Born in Los Angeles in 1945, Susan was adopted as an infant by Ted and Violet Clute. She grew up in El Cajon, California, and graduated from Grossmont High School. She married Dennis Doyle and welcomed her daughter, Karen, in 1966.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Joe Godfrey; her daughter, Karen Wood (Brian); and her beloved grandchildren, Cassidy, Clayton, Faire, and Audrey Wood.

Susan had a remarkable career that spanned various industries. She began in the catalog department at Sears before working at several local banks and savings & loans. She later founded her own insurance agency and managed two different timeshare companies. Eventually, she spent 13 years as an administrative assistant in the C-suite at SAIC in La Jolla before retiring in 2009. SAIC proved to be a perfect fit for her skills, and she formed many lasting friendships there.

A lifelong learner, Susan proudly completed her bachelor's degree just ahead of her grandchildren. She was also an amazing chef, known for her signature Caesar salad dressing, twice-baked potatoes and her legendary gravy. She enjoyed gardening and sewing Halloween costumes and doll clothes for her granddaughters.

She loved animals-too many dogs and cats to mention. Having ridden horses growing up, she later competed in Dressage and Hunter/Jumper events in Del Mar during her early 50s.

She and Joe traveled extensively, visiting 28 countries together. She especially cherished trips to Salzburg, Barcelona, Chicago, Florence and Edinburgh. She also celebrated each granddaughter's graduation with a special trip to New York City.

Susan was deeply committed to helping others. She mentored young women balancing careers and family life, cared for her mother in later years, and volunteered for causes including Cystic Fibrosis research, SAIC's Balboa Park Breast Cancer Walks, North County Hospice, and her grandchildren's elementary schools as a reader.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m. at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in La Jolla, with a brief reception to follow. A celebration of life will take place over the summer, with details to be shared later.

It was Susan's wish that you donate to the animal welfare organization of your choice.