Susan April Brenner

Susan April (Harshman) Brenner, age 71, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022 with her children by her side. Susan was a kind-hearted woman, who always had time for people and gave sage advice when asked. Eldest of her siblings, Carolyn & William Jr., she was born in San Diego to her parents William & Carol Harshman who preceded her passing. While attending Chula Vista High School she met her future husband, Larry Brenner, and fell head over heels in love. In the years to follow she would get married, graduate from San Diego State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and have two beautiful children, Michael and April.

Family, especially supporting her children, was always a priority of Susan’s. Picnic lunches at San Dieguito Park, day trips to Julian and Borrego Springs, and weekends spent at her parents’ home in Valley Center were plentiful. She was a staple of her son Michael’s Boy Scout troop where she aided adult leadership and enjoyed adventures in the wilderness of the Southwest.

Susan knew how to appreciate life’s simple joys; a cup of coffee, birdsong, windchimes, a cool breeze… Craft fairs and quilt shops followed by lunch with her best friends was always a highlight. A survivor of severe arthritis, breast cancer and lymphoma, she was no stranger to health challenges. Despite her challenges, Susan traveled the world with pizzazz visiting over 15 countries, often with her best friend Betty. She especially enjoyed the luxury of cruising. Susan’s life experiences forged an appreciation for the gift of life and her blessings. Her resilience and positivity was impressed upon many who knew her well.

A memorial will be held at The Little Chapel of the Roses in Glen Abbey Memorial Park (3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902) on Saturday, November 19th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Following the memorial service, April and Michael Brenner will host a reception at the Brenner family home. Please bring an appetite and your favorite memories of Susan.

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