Susan Cheryl Van Oort

Born February 24, 1944

Died November 9, 2021

at Hemet Global Medical Center, Hemet, CA

Susan was born in Albert Lee, Minnesota where she grew up there and also in La Habra, California. She graduated from La Habra High School where she was a member of the Flag Team and where she began her love for swimming, at which she became quite competent. Sue went to college in Pueblo, Colorado where she graduated and after which she taught school. Sue met her husband of 41 years, Ken Van Oort, in Colorado through their shared love of music and singing. They eventually moved to Claremont, California where they lived for several decades and where Susan worked in the Office of Career Services at Claremont McKenna College for many years. After leaving her position with the college, she worked for the Visiting Nurses Association affiliated with the City of Claremont.

Sue and Ken were long-time members of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont. They both sang in the choir and were active in many aspects of the church. Sue was a member of various groups of Sweet Adelines for decades. Among other activities, one of Sue and Ken's favorites was taking out their motorhome on various excursions and camping with family and friends.

More recently, the Van Oorts lived in Menifee, California for several years where they made numerous friends and attended Faith Lutheran Church. The Van Oorts recently relocated to Hemet, California.

Susan was a beautiful homemaker and a generous and welcoming hostess. She loved to entertain and took great pride in her home and yards and enjoyed sharing both with family and friends. Susan surrounded herself with beauty and she and Ken had a beautiful life together.

Susan’s love of animals played an important role in her life and the many dogs and cats and parakeets and canaries and desert tortoises that lived with her throughout her life were sources of great joy. She rescued many cats (and kittens) and dogs (and puppies) and was a strong advocate for the betterment of all animals.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Ken Van Oort of Hemet, California, and her cousin, Patti Neff of Hemet, California. She will be greatly missed by all her many friends and acquaintances who knew and loved her because to know her was to love her!!

A private family service will be held at a later date.

If you wish to acknowledge Susan's passing, in lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a monetary donation in her name to your local animal shelter or animal rescue group.