Suzanne Anderson

On May 31, 2020, Suzanne Anderson, beloved matriarch, devoted wife, incredible mother of 5 passed away surrounded by her family at age 86.

Sue was born on October 7, 1933 in Spokane, WA to Richard and Theodora Sauer.   She went to Washington State and always spoke fondly of her time in sorority. She met her first husband, William Bennett, while working for the Office of Special Investigations as a Legal Stenographer in the Air Force. She was quick to adapt to becoming a mother of 3 and moving households many times as they traveled from base to base. Sue was widowed at age 34 when her husband lost his life in Vietnam. Sometime later she met Ken, was married and the two of them built an incredible life together.  The family grew and thrived while building and working the family business, The Palms Restaurant in Carpinteria, Ca. 

Her children would say there are not words that can bring to light the true meaning of all that she was for her family. She taught her children what it means to be a family, how to stand up and be bold, how to work hard, how to stick together and how to keep going. She was beautiful, successful, confident, loving, held strong beliefs, was steadfast in her faith and an incredible model for living life to the fullest. Her love was fierce and didn’t waver even amidst her long journey with dementia.

She was one tough cookie and when she walked in a room, her strong, beautiful presence was known.  She had a love and sense for fashion.  Some of her children’s favorite memories were gathering at the table for a beautiful meal she had prepared and shopping trips to Nordstrom’s where she not only knew how to pick out what would look perfect on you – she’d buy it for you too.

She and Ken celebrated 50 years of marriage in September surrounded by their family. They were an inspiration to many. The love of her family was the centerpiece of her life.  Together, they sure knew how to squeeze the most from everyday life.

Her spirit is carried on by her five children, Bill, Tod, Joanie, Carla and Kenya, her 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and nephew Richard, and nieces Candy and Kathy.

“So I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

Private family service to be held in July.