Susan Ann Raya died peacefully with her wife by her side in their home on Aug 2, 2022 in Stockton, CA at the age of 72. Susan put up a valiant fight against cancer of which she battled for the past 7 years.
Susan is survived by her wife Sue E. Crawford; son Robert Michael Crawford Raya and her sister Sarah Ramirez (Rudy) as well as, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Susan is preceded in death by her father Augustine Raya, Sr., mother Tomasa H. Raya; and brother Augustine Raya, Jr., of Stockton, CA.
Susan was born on July 24, 1950 and grew up and lived most of her life in Stockton, CA, graduating from Edison High School in 1969. She then began her career working in retail for several local stores, including Ross Department Stores and Talbots. She later became a school bus driver for First Student, transporting disabled students to and from school, a position she loved so much. She retired from there after 10 years.
Susan had a very strong love for her family and her large extended family. Nothing made her happier than celebrating milestones and other occasions with her many aunts, uncles and cousins. One of Susan’s proudest accomplishments was her 32 years of sobriety.
A visitation for Susan will be held Monday, August 15, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A rosary will occur Monday, August 15, 2022 at 6:00 PM, 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A Mass of Christian burial will occur Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 3847 N. Sutter Street, Stockton, California. Directly following the funeral a celebration of Susan’s life will be held at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton located at 2737 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Susan's honor to the American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deyoungmemorialchapel.com for the Raya family.
