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Susan Gale Wilson
1947 - 2025
Susan Wilson Obituary
A near life-long resident of San Carlos, California, Ms. Wilson graduated from Oregon State University in 1969 with a degree in Education and immediately began a 40+ year career as an elementary school teacher in the Mt. Pleasant School District in south-east San Jose, California.
Susan Wilson was never married and never had any children; however, she dedicated her life to the countless students over those many, many years. As her extended family continued to grow, she was a doting aunt to three nephews; and ultimately seven grand nephews. Ms. Wilson navigated from California to Wisconsin to assist in the academic growth of each and every one of them. She held a very special role of each and every one of their lives.
Ms. Wilson was not just a teacher. She exuded compassion, taught her students to develop into good human beings while gaining knowledge about the world around them. She always displayed a positive attitude in life, education and family.
After driving from her San Carlos home to San Jose all those years which continued to increase drive time due to the growing population of the mid- and south Peninsula, she retired to her home and her garden when she reached 65 years old.
Confronted with a no-compete clause with California Teacher's Association (CTA) contract provisions, she was soon scooped up quickly by a Palo Alto educator who hired her to mentor new teachers, training them in academic organization and enthusing them to develop a passion for teaching.
After several years of mentoring, she again retired. But not for long. Her nephew and his wife, both previous students, encouraged her to meet with the Redeemer Lutheran School's principal to fill in as a substitute. He hired her on the spot. The commute from her San Carlos home to Redwood City was about five minutes, compared to the 45-minute drive each way to San Jose and back.
Throughout her life, Sue Wilson had a heart filled with love and dedication. She was always modest and open-minded. She was always the beloved rose in the garden of life.
In her passing, Sue leaves behind her brother, Terry Wilson; and sisters Carol Juilleret and Cathy Wilson.
She will be interred at the Mt. View Cemetery in Oakland, California with her mother, Lois M. Wilson, and her two maternal grandparents Stanley and Mona Kearley.
If you are inspired on behalf of Susan Gale Wilson to make a donation, please send funds in her name to any organization fighting children's cancer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Wilson
1 Entry
Pam
August 17, 2025
Miss Wilson was my 2nd grade teacher in 1972 at Valley Vista Elementary in San Jose. Her class was special. She played the guitar and we sang songs when our work was done. She made me feel more confident, capable and creative as a young student, which made a big difference in my formative years. Thank you, Miss Wilson.
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