Susan Gay Garcia

Susan Harvey Garcia, known as Susie to her friends and family, went to be with her Lord on Friday, September 2, 2016, at the age of 67. Susan was born on June 11, 1949 to the late Orin and Hope Harvey.

She was a proud resident of Pasadena, Ca, where she grew up with her parents, and her older brother, Glenn. She attended John Muir High School and graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1972. She met her best friend and the love of her life, Max, while she was in college, and they were married on August 5, 1972.

Max and Susie moved to Riverside, Ca, where they started their family. They were blessed with two daughters, Melissa and Jennifer. They were also foster parents to three special needs daughters over the course of 15 years. Susie loved spending time with her girls, and volunteering at their church and school. While there, she made lifelong friendships and memories, which she treasured. She became a second mom to many of their friends, often being referred to as Mama Sue. Susie began her career as a librarian in the early 80's, and throughout the years was part of the staff at Arlington, Central, Lake Elsinore, La Sierra and Casa Blanca branch libraries. Susie loved the opportunities she had to help patrons, coordinate library activities and lead the children’s story time program. But she especially loved the special relationships built and friends made throughout the years, who became a second family to her.

Susie loved to travel and immensely enjoyed the times she shared with family and her dearest friends in Hawaii. She embraced the spirit of Aloha. She was extremely giving and empathetic; her heart was as big as the ocean surrounding her beloved islands.

Susie is survived by her husband, Max who lovingly referred to her as his Susie-Q; daughter Melissa and son-in-law Peter and two grand-daughters, Briana and Julia; daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Joe and 4 grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas, Lilly and Alexander; her mother-in-law Margret. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and close friends that she considered part of her extended family.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all friends and family for the love and support you have given them during this difficult time.