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Sue Johansen Obituary

Susanne Lee Fraser Johansen

Susanne Lee (Fraser) Johansen died in her San Bruno home on Thursday, July 25, 2013. She was 81. Sue is survived by her husband Bob, her son Randy, her son Greg and his wife Silvia, her son Chris and his wife Sue and her grandchildren Daniel, Lisa and Kayla. Sue was born and raised in San Francisco and a proud graduate of Balboa High School. Aside from her marriage and raising her sons, sue had a thriving and interesting business of making finger puppets and "take along toys" for children to amuse themselves on long car trips and in doctor's offices. Sue was often known as "The Puppet Lady". Sue had a fiercely independent streak and lived life on her own terms. She had a love of gambling and would "sneak" away to Tahoe or Reno whenever she got the chance. Sue loved to travel and she and Bob took many memorable trips together. Sue was a breast cancer survivor but ultimately succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer's, which robbed her of her memory but never her wit and fine sense of humor. Sue was cared for to the end by her loving and devoted husband Bob who enjoyed every moment of the challenge. Sue will be sorely missed by all that knew her, because when you were a friend of Sue's, you had a friend for life! Donations in Sue's name can be made to the American Cancer Society or The Alzheimer's Association.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 29 to Jul. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Sky SaintMartha

July 23, 2020

I really miss all the stories which Sue would tell me and her merry laugh that was so infectious that you couldn't stop yourself from joining her. She told me about how she used to create and then sell little handmade finger puppets. I was enchanted with the idea, so she sent me a few dozen of them to use as patterns and to give to my grandchildren. She well-understood how frustrated I would sometimes get with Randy and taught me some ways of coping that she had learned through her long experience with her son. She had an uncanny ability to BE whatever it was that I most needed at that moment whether it was a strong shoulder on which to cry, great font of information, creative thinker, enthusiastic cheerleader, clever planner, supportive friend, or joyful joker. I doubt that I will ever stop thanking the universe and Randy for bringing Sue into my life. See you next time around, dear friend!

Sky SaintMartha

August 18, 2013

I'm glad that Sue was at peace when she crossed to the other side. She was a wonderful woman with a keen intellect and a great sense of humor. I knew that we would be friends from the moment I met her. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. Sue herself was blessed with a husband who took care of her all the way through to the end with great love, tenderness, humor and compassion. I thank her for having raised Randy to be a thoughtful and caring person with a zest for life which almost matches hers. I'll look forward to seeing her in one of our next lifetimes...

July 29, 2013

Chris & Family,
I'm so sorry for you loss.I remember Sue from when I was a little girl at Millbrae Bowl. I loved how she was always happy and smiling. May the Lord comfort you.
Tammy (Foley) Zapata

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