Sarah Susman

Sarah was born and raised in the Portland Metro area—the first native Oregonian in her family. An enthusiastic, bright student, Sarah rarely declined an opportunity to volunteer or participate in extracurricular activities from tutoring her fellow students to girl scouts, Red Cross classes to running club. She was especially fond of choir and musical theater, treasuring the camaraderie of her fellow performers. Year after year, Sarah kept a packed academic and social schedule, but still managed to graduate with honors.

In the fall of 2014, Sarah attended the University of Oregon, maintaining a tough course load in biology and chemistry while working and volunteering. Early visions of veterinary medicine gave way to a desire to attend medical school. In her senior year, Sarah became a volunteer recruit with the Lowell Rural Fire District in the hopes of gaining experience in emergency medical services. Along the way, she discovered that she enjoyed being a first responder and working with the local community.

After graduating, Sarah remained in Eugene and continued as a volunteer firefighter while pursuing her long-term dream to become a doctor. With an EMT license under her belt, she worked first at Mid-Valley ambulance, and then after further training, accepted a job with Western Lane Ambulance District. At the time of her death, Sarah was looking forward to starting a job as an ER tech at Peacehealth Hospital in Riverbend in addition to her other work.

Sarah’s passion to serve and her positive can-do personality were coupled with an empathetic and kind heart towards those less fortunate. Although she had not decided which field of medicine she would ultimately pursue, she was leaning towards emergency medicine where she could continue to serve our communities, and help further the goals of public health.

Sarah is survived by her parents James and Rachael Susman of Portland, her brother Daniel of Corvallis, her grandmother Gwen Mason in Lacrosse Wisconsin, and numerous extended family and friends.

A Memorial Service for Sarah is scheduled for Friday, November 19th, 2021 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the H.E.R.O. fund through the link at the bottom of the page; or by check to the Lowell Rural Fire Protection District.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Susman family.