She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 23, 1955 to Thomas and Helen Babin, the second of four daughters.
After spending her early years in Rhode Island and Long Island, New York, Susan grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, graduating from Columbia High School there in 1973.
After high school Susan became a licensed practical nurse and started a career of care-giving which she continued after moving to California in 1983.
Her free time was often spent at the beach, where she enjoyed the water, sun and sand.
She enjoyed arts and crafts and had both an eye and a talent for painting landscapes. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking both of which were especially complimentary with her work and served well in taking care of her patients.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by sisters, Mary Lou Branch, Chris Gilson, and Ellen Kaplan, niece Danielle Simpson and nephews Tommy Martinez, Michael Lusby, Nicholas Martinez and Joseph Simpson.