Susan Lagerquist Powers

Susan Powers Obituary

SUSAN LAGERQUIST POWERS, RN
October 15, 1953
February 8, 2007

On February 8, 2007, Susan Lagerquist Powers, RN, passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Susie, an enthusiastic walker, health-conscious cook and non-smoker, was with Memorial Hospital, Bakersfield, for over 25 years, and Kaiser Permanente/Valleys Service Area for the last four, as a Continuing Care Case Manager. She was born in Oakland, CA, graduated from Righetti High School, Santa Maria in 1971, UC Davis with a BS/Nutrition and Dietetics in 1975, and Cal State Bakersfield in 1977 with her nursing degree.
Susie is survived by Phil Powers, her husband of 30 years; three sons, Clifford (San Jose), Steven (Bakersfield) and Robert (Provo, UT), and their wives; her parents Dr. and Mrs. Howard Lagerquist of Martinez, CA; two sisters, Marianne Cooley of Thompsons Station, TN and Kathryn Pearson, San Luis Obispo, and their families; new granddaughter Julia and grandson Max; eight nephews and nieces; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lagerquist, aunt and uncle, cousins John and Andy, Aunt Marianne Crosby, and sister-in-law Pam.
In tribute to her rich family, professional and church life, she has received tremendous support, comfort and love from dozens of visitors; most answer our heart-felt gratitude with, "She'd have done the same for me." We sincerely thank those whose hands-on care meant so much to her, a never-ending parade of wonderful meals, and especially the medical care she received from Dr. Kyaw Tun of Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Dean Davis and Dr. Jennifer Black of Optimal Hospice.
Susie will be remembered for her professional dedication, high standards, intelligence, wit and determination, including personally installing the entire tile roof and electrical wiring for their new house. Her strong positive attitude is an inspiration for her love of life, her gracious home, her career, and the people around her. Chuckles and smiles graced her beautiful blue eyes to the end, and she leaves a hole in the universe for us all.
Susie's funeral is at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2007, at the LDS Church, 5500 Fruitvale Ave; interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park will be a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, we gratefully suggest donations to Optimal Hospice of Bakersfield, the American Lung Association and American Cancer Society.

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Published by Santa Maria Times on Feb. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Powers

11 Entries

Robert Powers

October 13, 2019

I miss you mom. Love Robert.

Pat Dorsey

February 13, 2007

Susan and I had a lot of laughs together. I will miss her a lot.

Mary Jane Rosenblatt, RN

February 12, 2007

Susie touched so many lives. It was an honor to work with her at Memorial and Kaiser Permanente.

Craig & Lori Roberts

February 12, 2007

Phil,

Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Bill & Darlene Grigg

February 12, 2007

I hope this is not an intrusion but my husband and I would like to express our condolences to the Lagerquist family on this loss. Bill was a patient of Dr. Lagerquist back in the 70's. This association was a turning point in his life and we have always held a special place in our hearts for Dr. Lagerquist. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Joe Rohr

February 9, 2007

Phil:
I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss. You have my heartfelt condolences. I'll be thinking of you.

Jim Carpenter, RN

February 9, 2007

As one of Susan's co-workers at Kaiser Permanente, I feel a deep loss both personally and professionally. Her genuine insight and empathy to the elderly and their families are characteristics most nurses can only hope to emulate. My wife Lynn and I send our prayers to Phil and the rest of the family.

Marianne Lagerquist Cooley

February 9, 2007

In 1984, a journalist friend of mine, Joann Lublin, called me for "a working woman to profile" for a Wall St. Journal article on the emerging trend of two-career families. My sister Susie was a natural choice, and very soon, I saw her name in Joann's WSJ front page article. However, then Susie called me to say she and Phil had been invited to appear on a Gary Collins TV show featuring couples working different shifts. Asked what kind of dinners Phil fixed for the boys when Susie was at work, Susie told Gary the only thing Phil really knew how to cook was fish sticks (Phil still disagrees with this)! Asked about the sacrifices of family life to two careers, Phil and Susie both described the financial benefits as their young son Cliff "needed a house and toys", and they didn't want their kids in daycare. They still have the video of their "15 minutes of fame".

Judy Mullins

February 9, 2007

Dear Cliff ~

Our hearts are saddened at the loss of your dear mom.

May God's mercy and comfort surround you during this difficult time.

Joe and Judy Mullins

Gayle Dennis

February 9, 2007

Susan was always a precious gift to me. Forever smiling, kind, warm, and uplifting. I don't know that she ever knew just how much what her doing what came naturally for her meant to me. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to have had her in my life.

Rene (Roberts) Brown

February 9, 2007

Phil and boys -
I am so sorry to hear of Susie's passing. She was a great friend!! I pray the Heavenly Father wrap his arms around your family and to provide peace at your time of need!

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