Susan Ruth Johnson

Susan Ruth Johnson was born on June 28, 1953, at Flower-Fifth Avenue Hospital in Manhattan, New York. Growing up in The Bronx and later in Tuckahoe, New York, Sue was always adventurous and eager to try new things. In the winter she sledded down neighborhood hills, and in the summer, she climbed trees with excitement. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and began her career as a computer technician. But after braving black ice on one too many winter mornings—she decided she was ready for warmer weather and new adventures in San Diego.

She first moved to La Mesa and settled into an apartment complex called The Grossmont Estates, where she met her future husband, Donald Johnson, while playing pool in the rec room. She soon joined the Sierra Club, where she hiked rim to rim of the Grand Canyon, and later the Action Ski Club, where she fully embraced adventure and formed lifelong friendships. Her love of the outdoors didn’t stop with skiing—hiking, camping, dirt biking, water skiing, jet skiing, rafting, and off-roading became regular parts of her life. She eventually found a gem of an apartment in Ocean Beach, where she threw her famous Fourth of July parties on a balcony that, as her husband remembers, was about to “fall apart," but somehow always withstood the amount of people on it.

Sue and Don married in 1992 and later welcomed their son, Ryan. From this point on, everything she did was rooted in her love for them, taking great care while also keeping them busy with social outings and trips exploring. Scrapbooking became her way of capturing and celebrating their many adventures together. Her albums are filled with memories from places such as San Felipe, Lake Powell, Lassen National Forest, the Glamis Sand Dunes, the Borrego Desert, and Torrey Pines State Beach.

First diagnosed with cancer in 1996—and twice more in later years—Sue’s adventurous and resilient spirit never dimmed. She continued traveling with Don in their motorhome to the Redwoods, Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe, Coos Bay, Yellowstone, Telluride, Mesa Verde, and countless other treasured destinations. It is nearly impossible to capture just how many places she went and experiences she embraced throughout her life.

After nearly 30 years of courageously battling cancer, Susan passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Pearl Adler, and her father, Morton Adler. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Johnson; her son, Ryan Johnson; her sister, Natasha Hewley; and many beloved friends. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, fighting spirit, loyal friendship, and her passion for adventure. She will be forever in our hearts.

A service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, with a celebration of life to follow. In honor of Susan’s bright spirit, the family invites guests to wear colorful attire.

Trinity Presbyterian Church

3902 Kenwood Drive

Spring Valley, CA 91945

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MD Anderson in Susan’s honor:

https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/campaigns/Honoring-Susan-Johnson