Susan Clark

1946 - 2024

SUSAN MARGARET CLARK

November 28, 1946 – May 28, 2024

Susan Margaret Clark Nov. 28, 1946 - May 28, 2024. Susan died in Tucson, Arizona, at home in the care of her daughter, after several years of failing health. Preceding her in death was her husband John Coy. She is survived by her only daughter, Megan (Andrew) Bonn, brothers Thomas (Esther) and Michael Clark, nieces Sarah (Anson) Lindberg, Jackie (Jonathan) Garduno and by her beloved feline companion, Luna.

Susan was born in Pasadena to Jack A. Clark and Helen G. Knight. She was a 1968 graduate of UC Santa Barbara, where she majored in sociology. She lived in Newport Beach, CA for 28 years to raise her daughter before moving back to Bakersfield to take care of her parents in 1994.

Susan worked diligently for many years championing environmental conservancy. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, she took on many roles at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach, serving as a docent and a volunteer board member until joining the staff in the role of Administrative Assistant. Susan's calm, cool way of problem-solving, her love of the outdoors, and her passion for environmental education were the perfect fit for the mission of the ENC. Susan impacted many lives during her time at the ENC including providing transformative experiences to thousands of visiting children.

After moving to Bakersfield, Susan found a new role for her vast energies and devotion: Administrative Director for the California Society for Ecological Restoration (SERCAL). An integral part of the origins of the organization, she carried that torch with pride, and for twenty years kept the organization running seamlessly, bringing her dedication and sense of humor to board meetings and annual conferences. She was a true friend who did not suffer fools gladly, and her legacy in advancing the practice of ecological restoration in California will not be forgotten.

Above all, Susan will be remembered for the unflagging and fierce love she felt for those dearest to her: her daughter, her amazing tribe of cats, the yard and garden she tended so lovingly, her close friendships and family. Her sense of humor that laugh, that impish smile could fill an ocean. She was one of a kind and will live on in all who knew her.

The Bonn and Clark families extend our love and gratitude to Susan's special caregivers, Amelia and Alex Romero. We are also grateful for the care and support provided by Bayada Hospice of Tucson, Arizona, especially Sarah Gierlach and Terri Michaloski. In keeping with Susan's wishes, there will be no immediate services, the family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.#.

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