Susannah Johnson

Susannah Johnson Convery 1926 -2009 Our beloved mother, died September 22, 2009, with members of her family by her side. She was 83 and lived a full and productive life. Our mother was an intelligent, strong, determined woman devoted to her passions. She was a wonderful role model. She always made the best of any situation with her positive outlook on life and involvement in many organizations over the years. And as busy as she was, we always knew she was there for us. We will miss her very much Susannah was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on August 25, 1926, daughter of Frank Willard Johnson and Katherine Scott Dow Johnson. She grew up in Pelham, New York, and spent many summers at her family home in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. After graduating from Connecticut College, she married Harold William Walters, a naval pilot during World War II, and the father of her three children. After her divorce in 1957, Susannah (Walters) attended UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco while raising her three children then 6, 8 and 10. She was determined to go into a profession that would provide college educations for her children. All three graduated from UC Berkeley, as she had hoped. At UC Hastings College of the Law she was a member of the Law Review. After passing the bar in 1960, she clerked for Justice White at the California Supreme Court. After clerking for Justice White, she was hired by Santa Clara County District Attorney, Louis Bergna, as a Deputy District Attorney. In 1965 she married John Henry Convery, a CPA and business Attorney. During their 17 year marriage, they enjoyed traveling and loved to entertain friends. After 13 years in the DA's office, Susannah started her own successful practice in Walnut Creek, CA, where she became a well respected Family Law Specialist over the next 30 years. In February 2001, she was appointed to the State Bar's Committee on Senior Lawyers of the California State Bar Association. In 2002, she was recognized for her service by the Hastings 1066 Foundation as a Trustee Emeritus. She loved her profession and she loved working with people. Susannah leaves behind a younger brother, Thomas Wakefield Johnson, in Galaxidi, Greece, 3 loving children, David Marsh Tier Walters of Grass Valley, CA, Katherine Walters Hughes and Susannah Scott Ernst, both in Beaumont, CA, her daughter-in-law Kimberly Walters, her son-in-law Thomas Hughes and 6 loving grandchildren; Sara Muscheid, Evan Walters, Elizabeth Hughes, Nolan Walters, Kyle Donart and Carl Donart . She will be remembered for her love of her family, her laughter, passion for politics, loyalty to friends and dedication to her profession. A memorial service will be held from 11:00 to 3:00, on October 31, at the Claremont Hotel, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA. All of those who knew Susannah as a friend or colleague are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested in her name to UC Hastings College of the Law, Alumni Center, 200 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.