Susan St. Clair

Susan St Clair, enduring member of the Kenai community, passed away on April 2, 2022 in the company of her son and the hearts and thoughts of her family and friends.

Susan was born in San Francisco in 1954 to jazz musician Frank Catalano and performer Barbara Muller (later Smith). She grew up immersed in the culture of 1960's California, and developed an enduring passion for the arts. She loved dance, fashion, photography, painting, sculpture, poetry, and most especially music.


Susan left city life behind in the late '70s and lived for several years in Olympia, Washington. After welcoming her son, she found her way to Kenai. She was drawn in by the majestic landscape and close knit community of small town Alaska, and remained for most of her life. As a single mother, she worked odd hours and taught popular aerobics classes in the evenings to make ends meet. She became an integral part of the community, participating in local art and fashion projects and forming many close, lifelong friendships.

Susan was driven by compassion, empathy, playfulness, and love. She was a gentle soul, but a tenacious defender of justice when needed. She loved all animals, but most especially her loyal Labrador companions. Susan judged people on their character, and consequently had friends diverse in class, race, culture, and lifestyle. She gravitated toward jobs serving the community, and worked as a front line essential worker at Safeway during the COVID-19 pandemic. She especially cherished spending time with her grandsons; her sense of wonder, enthusiasm, and sweetness made her an ideal grandmother.

Susan's purity of heart and radiance of love cannot be overstated. She was a ray of joy and warmth. We did not deserve her.

Susan is preceded in death by her father Frank Catalano and mother Barbara Smith. She is survived by her son Shane St Savage, daughter-in-law Mariel St Savage, grandsons Andreas and Jerome, sister Christine Zuardo, niece Tara Zuardo, nephew Vincent Zuardo, and many friends. A private memorial will be held as spring takes hold.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan's honor to the LeeShore Center, AWAIC, or ASPCA.