Susan Diane LORENZ

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El Camino High School

Susan LORENZ Obituary

LORENZ, Susan Diane (Hopkins)
Susan passed away peacefully at her home in Sacramento on September 16, 2010 at the age of 58 after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father George Daniel Hopkins. She will be greatly missed by her mother Terri Hopkins, sister Danelle Moore, former husband Derek Lorenz, uncle Bob and aunt Shirley Larsen, cousins Cydney, LeAnn and Pam, and many devoted friends.
Susan was born in Sacramento on May 26, 1952. She attended El Camino High School (class of 1969) and earned her degree from UC Davis in 1973. She worked for the State of California where over a 34 year career she served in several different departments, retiring from the Department of Mental Health in 2007. Most of her working life was spent in the human resources area where she was well respected for her professionalism and ability to handle difficult situations with a high level of expertise. After retirement she continued to work as a consultant for Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS).
Susan had a sharp wit and great sense of humor. She had a wide variety of interests and enjoyed reading, gardening, playing the piano, spending time with friends, and attending various music and theater events. An avid reader, she was a member of a book club for many years. She enjoyed traveling and after retirement was able to take wonderful trips to China, Egypt, and Kenya. Susan was so moved by Kenya and the people that she established the Daraja Foundation to encourage education for their school children. She loved all animals, whether it was birds in her fountain or her loving cats that brought so much joy to her life. She was community minded and generously donated both of her time and money.
Donations in Susan's memory may be sent to: The Daraja Foundation, 1865 41st Street, Sacramento, CA. 95819 (a non-profit organization), or FieldHaven Feline Rescue, 2754 Ironwood Lane, Lincoln, CA. 95648.
Thank you to the Friends of Susan (FOS) volunteers for the caring and countless hours of help and support. Special thanks to Fran Coletti, Melanie McClure, Pam Miller, and Angela Parker.
Private grave side services at East Lawn Memorial Park on Folsom Blvd., Sacramento.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Sep. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan LORENZ

11 Entries

Tami

September 6, 2020

I miss you. You always made me laugh. Tami

relaxing by the water hole

Alley D

July 18, 2011

below Kilimanjaro

Alley D

July 18, 2011

on the boarder marker between Tanzaniz and kenya

Alley D

July 18, 2011

Alley Doljanin

July 18, 2011

Dear Susan and her family,
When we spent two plus weeks exploring Africa in a small van bouncing around wide open feilds, those are the most fond memories I keep close to my heart. Susan is just so lively it is like I've known her for years. Meeting Susan and knowing that she just wanted to see the world was enspiring to me and that time is short. For the past 2 years I've been working abroad and every chance I get to explore, part of me thinks of Susan and what a wonderful oportuity it is to explore the world.

I recently came home for a short visit and had dinner with friends that told me of Susan, all I could think was I was so lucky to have met her.

Paul Salinas III

September 29, 2010

Susan, I have told you many times before thank you for my family and I. Again I thank you. I appreciated your time and all that you have done for me as my boss and friend. I truly appreciate our long email exchanges we had while I was in Iraq. They were a saving saving grace for me. They did more good than you can ever imagine. You will always be apart of me and Known by me as one who always gave of yourself for others. Thank you will be missed especially your quick wit and me saying you jsut did not say that and laugh. Thanks for the laughs

Margo & Robb Van Der Volgen

September 23, 2010

It was so sad to hear of Susan's passing but heartwarming to read about what a wonderul and generous person she was. Having attended El Camino Hi, I recall Susan's sense of humor and keen wit. At last year's reunion I learned that she had worked with my husband at the State - such a small world.
Both Robb and I send our condolences to Susan's many friends and family.

Sara Hull

September 23, 2010

I loved to hear you laugh. Your entire body laughed too...I will miss you. Sara Hull

Kim Snyder

September 23, 2010

My dear Susan, how can I ever thank you for being such a wonderful friend and mentor. It has been my honor to love, support and care for you to the very last moment. You've left us too soon....but I'm thankful you are at peace. I'll see you later. Terri and Dani - you remain in my prayers, call anytime.

Phoebe Baker

September 22, 2010

So saddened to learn that Susan has been lost to us after her battle with cancer. I had no idea she was in this battle while working with her on a CPS project. I have known Susan many years during our mutual State human resources work. She and her humor and dedication will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.

Karen MacKenzie

September 22, 2010

Susan was one of a kind. I will miss so many things about her - too many to write. Very few people have the ability to attach themselves so firmly to others' hearts. Susan had that ability. I am so tempted to re-write this in passive voice - but I know she would still reach out and give me a smack. Thank you for being my friend.

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