Suzana Christina Johnson Chenault

Suzana Christina Johnson Chenault passed away peacefully after a five-year fight with Ovarian Cancer early Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, at home. Suzana was born in Los Angeles in Octobter 1937. Her mother, Evelyn Johnson, at 101, survives her and was cared for by Suzana until just a few weeks ago. Her sister, Trudy Greenlaw of Bolinas, Calif., also survives her. Her father was Leonard Johnson from Salt Lake City, Utah, and preceded her in death some 55 years ago. Suzana''s early years were spent in Los Angeles, then her family moved to Delhi, Calif. During the summers she took the train back and forth to visit her grandparents and many aunts and uncles in Southern California. The train ride made a lasting impression and sparked her life long interest in travel. After graduation, near the top of her class, from Livingston High School, in Livingston, Calif., Suzana attended Modesto Junior College for a year. She spent the summer between her first and second year working in Yosemite Valley, a place she returned to again and again, each time with the same excitement of her first visit. After her marriage to Howard Chenault, Sue began to raise her family, which grew to five children Cheryl, Rawson, Garet, Brooks and Maren. They lived in Sacramento before returning to Delhi. She was active in the Delhi PTA, was a den mother for the Cub Scouts and a school aide. Her home was a second home for many of her children''s friends and there was always a happy, warm feeling at her home. Sue was an expert seamstress, a skill which lead to a career in sewing machine sales. Her skills won her a trip to the Pfaff factory in Germany as well as a seat in the bleachers at the finish line of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. From Delhi, Sue moved with her second husband, Tom Hunter, to Terra Linda, Calif., Fremont and finally to Paso Robles for the last 16 years. Suzana''s talent of making a beautiful home and garden was fulfilled. She also continued her world travels with trips to Europe, Africa, China, Mexico and a cruise on the South China Sea. This year there were two trips to London to see her granddaughter, Maggie Roesser, perform at the Palladium in the revival of "Sister Act." In addition, she and Tom took numerous trips in his private plane, including a flight last year to Salt Lake City. While living in Paso Robles, Suzana worked at the gift shop at Hearst Castle and then as a volunteer docent for the Hearst Castle Historical Society. She dressed up in period costume to act as living period figures to add an extra dimension for the many guests on the night tours at the Castle. She loved the drive from Paso to the coast and could recognize the young calves that were born, grazed and grew up on the ranches along the highway. She loved to take a new road on every trip - she once ended up on a levee part way to a duck blind in the Central Valley while on her way with her then 95 year-old mother to Sacramento. She thrived on the adventure of travel and on her many trips to Hawaii set a new travel itinerary for activities, complete with a detailed recount of the history surrounding each stop on "her" tour. Each person who knew Suzana was touched by her. She had an extraordinary gift of listening to what you were saying and made you the center of her world. She was a voracious reader and could talk with knowledge about a vast number of subjects. Lastly, she lived her life with style and grace, always looking ahead to the next adventure. Sue stressed to each of her children and grandchildren their importance to her and that she loved them dearly. She always sent them her best on their birthdays and remembered to bring them a special surprise from each of her trips. Suzana leaves behind five children; eight grandchildren; and two stepchildren, Laura and John Hunter. Suzana''s family wishes to thank Dr. Ganpule and his staff in Templeton for their care and love; the staff of Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton. Any gifts should be sent to the Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South Street Ste. R, San Luis Obispo, CA 92401. Kuehl-Nicolay Funerals 238-4383 Paso Robles