Susan Christensen

In loving memory of Susan Diane Christensen, born in San Francisco, California, on May 11, 1954, who unexpectedly departed from this world on July 19, 2024, in Filer, Idaho. Susan was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was a symphony of love and compassion.

Susan’s early years were marked by the sudden loss of her father at age 36 when she was just 5 years old, a pivotal event that deeply affected her life. 

As a preteen, the military moved her and her family to the Philippines, where she attended school in Olongapo for two years. She moved back to the United States, where she met and married Howard Whitlock, and they welcomed three daughters: Raina, Sarah, and Laura.

Educated at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, she majored in Nutrition. Susan excelled academically, earning a near-perfect record while raising a toddler and maintaining the image of a quintessential homemaker in the early 1970s. 

Susan embodied qualities of love, spunkiness, and beauty that illuminated every room she entered. She fervently defended the rights of the mentally ill. Her vibrant personality left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her and she had the most beautiful blue eyes.

Susan’s journey was dedicated to the nurturing care of her daughters and, later, her grandsons—an endeavor that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Her voice will forever echo in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to hear it, with the warmth and tenderness that defined her essence. 

Amongst her proudest accomplishments was tirelessly cheering on her beloved daughters and grandsons—a role she embraced with unwavering love and dedication.

Susan found solace in simple pleasures such as exploring garage sales, hunting for bargains with her grandson, Andrew, singing all types of songs with her daughters, and immersing herself in the magic of cinema with all of her grandsons.

Honoring her memory today are her deceased family members: her mother Thelma Rae Brittian Malloy, her father Lambert Clarence Malloy, her sisters Thema Jean Dawson, Donna Fagerness, and Juanita Thomas. She now rests peacefully alongside them.

Susan leaves behind a legacy cherished by surviving family and friends, including her three daughters: Raina, Sarah, and Laura; sons-in-law David and Eric; brother Lambert Malloy; sister Jeanny Tucker; cousins John Malloy, Linda Woodhull, Brenda Hale, Roxeanne Fornells,  Kimberly Lynch; Marvin Black and Loretta Black; countless nieces and nephews; as well as her faithful companion Baby Bob (her kitty) and four grand dogs. Her spirit lives on through the lives of her five handsome and accomplished grandsons: Austin, Avery, Andrew, Theodore, and Timothy—who will carry forward the light she sparked within them.

As we bid farewell to Susan Diane Christensen, let us remember her not with tears, but with smiles that mirror the love she shared so generously. May her memory be a beacon of hope in our hearts as we navigate through life’s journey—a testament to a woman whose legacy is etched in the tapestry of love she leaves behind.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, August 2, at 10 a.m. at Byron-Brentwood-Knightson Union Cemetery located at 11545 Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, CA 94513. A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, August 3, at 1 PM at Delhi Community Presbyterian Church located at 15917 El Capitan Way, Delhi, CA 95315.