Susan Parker Vizzard

Susan Parker Vizzard passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with dementia. Susan was born on March 12, 1944, in Pennsylvania, the eldest child of George L. and Angelyn B. Griffith. After high school, she left home for Coral Gables, Florida where she attended the University of Miami. During her time at UM, she joined the Tri Delta sorority where she served as vice president, was part of the Rifle Team of Pershing Rifles, was crowned military ball queen, was the Alpha Tao Omega Sweetheart, and was runner-up for Miss Miami. She graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. It was during her time at UM that she fell in love with Barclay ‘Bart’ Fred Grant Jr., and they were married shortly after graduation.

After traveling the world as a loving military wife and mother of 2 children, they settled down as a family in San Diego, California. It was during this time that she found her calling as an event planner and became part of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness working directly for Governor Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. While living in San Diego, she was remarried to James ‘Jim’ Vizzard in 1989. Susan and Jim moved to Tehachapi, California in 2002 where they spent a loving life together before his passing in 2006. In Tehachapi, she spent her time working as the banquet and events manager for Woodward West as well as spending countless hours volunteering at the Guild of Tehachapi thrift store. In 2013, Susan finally returned to coastal California for the remainder of her life in order to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Susan’s foundation was always in helping others. She was known to be a resource among her community for those in need, volunteering for as many prosocial organizations as she could, helping the unhoused and children in need. Susan was always the brightest light in any room. She filled her freetime with water skiing, tennis, pickleball, and margaritas. She adored any and all beaches, collecting seashells, and waving at the birds. She never failed to find the humor in life or appreciate the little things. You could always find her sitting by friendly lights, reading a good book, or laughing with her loved ones.

Susan is survived by her brother, Robert Griffith; her children, Elizabeth Ann Cahill and Matthew George Grant; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Grant; stepson, Clint Vizzard; and her grandchildren, Robert Cahill, Sydney Cahill, Elyse Grant, Sophia Grant, Olivia Vizzard, and Julia Vizzard. Her legacy will live on with her extended family and countless friends who loved her dearly.

Family and friends are invited to a family hosted visitation, viewing and reception to pay their final respects.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

12:00 to 4:00 pm

Erickson-Anderson Mortuary

8390 Allison Avenue

La Mesa, CA 91942

Immediate family will reach out at a later date with details on the time and place of her Celebration of Life and final ceremony, laying her to rest.

If you cannot attend the viewing and would like to send condolences or share a memory of Susan please reach out to her children, Matt Grant and Beth Cahill.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations for the better treatment and cure of dementia. There are many non-profit foundations to choose from, here are a couple reputable options where you can donate directly:

https://alzfdn.org/

www.bluefieldproject.org