Susan Jane Avinger

Susan Avinger passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving husband and children in the afternoon on New Years Day, January 1st, 2021, at the age of 67 years young. She is survived by her family whom she loved fiercely: the love of her life, her husband: Keith Avinger, her two daughters: Meghan Cahillane and Lisa Manzano (Michael Manzano), her (step)children: Jacqui Meyers (Daryl Meyers), Brian Avinger and Adam Avinger (Tiffany Avinger) and her grandchildren: Hailey King, Troy King, Keira Miller, Johnny Miller, Mila Manzano, Lea Manzano, Elias Chastang, Savannah Chastang, Fayth Avinger, Peyton Avinger, Keith Avinger III and Amber Avinger, her sister: Rory Sevos (Greg Sevos), her nieces and nephews: Peter Beaudet, David Beaudet, Jesse Safranski, Elizabeth Katz, Nick Chivers, Andrew Safranski and Allie Safranski. She is predeceased by her parents: Peter and Susan Troy, her sisters: Pat Chivers, Lois Safranski and her nephew: Sean O’Brien.  

Susan began her life July 12th, 1953 in New Britain Connecticut, the third daughter born to Peter and Susan Troy, named after her mother. Susan was a wanderer, exploring the country at a young age and making lifelong friends along the way. She made her way West to warmer weather, a lover of sunshine and warmth, much like her character. Susan was a giver, of all things, with a heart pure with kindness, love, humility and acceptance, willing to help anyone and everyone without judgement, seeing herself in others. She had hope for all and saw the best in everyone while loving them as they were. Susan was so intentional and thoughtful, you could count on her to remember every birthday and holiday, hand writing personal notes to each on her Christmas Card list. She often (always) misplaced her cell phone and sunglasses, and ran late to almost every engagement, but showed up to all of her commitments and for all of her loved ones whenever needed. Susan was a fighter. She fought for those she loved, she fought for what and who she believed in, she fought for what was right and she fought cancer in the last ten years of her life. Susan would never let a disagreement or argument go unresolved, tracking you down until you were able to find resolution and common ground. Susan found peace in the outdoors. She loved to hike and camp as well as explore the beautiful landscapes across the country, sharing this love with her family, hiking on weekends and camping in Big Sur and Emerald Bay each summer of her daughter’s youth. Susan and her beloved husband, Keith, explored the US as well as took trips to the Mayan Peninsula and her lifelong dream, to Italy.  

She spent her career in service to others: as a nurses aide, in hospitality and ended her career loving and guiding children as a primary school teacher for grades 1 and 2. She loved her students like she loved her family, fiercely. She believed in them and supported them long after they left her classroom. She also lent herself to the Alum Rock Community, extending herself however she could to be helpful and loving. Susan and Keith retired to Magalia, CA making a home in the beautiful Pines and making friends that were like family in their community on the ridge. Susan will be missed by all she touched, especially her family which she was the glue to. We will honor her life by living by her example and remember her when exploring the beautiful outdoors, watching hummingbirds and butterflies, flying a kite, being of service to others, gathering with family, cooking her recipes, singing her lullabies and loving life and those in it with a selfless heart and a giving spirit. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her name. The advances in Cancer treatment gifted Susan with more time than expected which we are all so grateful for. We hope that we will support further advancement in her memory. Please see the "Donations" section below for ways to donate in Susan's memory. 

A celebration of her life is planned for July 12th, 2021 in Magalia, CA subject to COVID-19 restrictions. Details will be posted on this site and on Susan’s Facebook Page as we approach this date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan Jane Avinger, please visit our floral store.