Susan Brown

Susan’s adventurous spirit was sparked early. Born Pei Jia Mei in Chengdu, China, on January 10, 1943, Susan moved to Japan in 1948 when her father accepted a position as a special Chinese Envoy. Over the next twelve years, Susan grew to deeply love and embrace Japanese culture. In 1960, she set sail for the United States, completing two years of high school before earning a four-year scholarship to Capital University. There, she earned her RN degree, launching a career defined by service.

A dedicated healer, Sue devoted 40 years to her career as a nurse with Kaiser Permanente, where her compassion and expertise touched countless lives. Sue shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband and partner in adventure, Dan Brown. Together, they traveled and shared many of the outdoor pursuits she cherished.

Sue lived an active life shaped by her love of the outdoors. An accomplished runner, she completed 27 marathons and competed in numerous races, often placing first in her age category. She was a foundational member of the Alum Rock Dream Team, a close-knit group that shared miles and encouragement several times per week. Whether she was biking, skiing, or hiking her favorite trails in Alum Rock Park, Sue found peace in nature.

Her creativity shone through her artwork, jewelry making, and the music of her ukulele—pursuits she embraced with the same enthusiasm that defined her life. Sue was a devoted bird watcher with a deep appreciation for wildflowers, finding beauty in every mile she traveled. She will be deeply missed by Dan, her sister Jashio Pei, her family, her many friends, and the community she served.

There will be an informal gathering with light refreshments and snacks on May 30th at The Villages Vineyard Center (9100 The Villages Fairway Dr, San Jose, CA 95135) from 12:30pm to 3:30pm to honor Susan’s life. Please RSVP to [email protected]. A tribute hike in Alum Rock Park is scheduled for the following day, May 31st, at 9am. Hikers should meet around the crossroads of Alum Rock Ave. and Canon Vista Ave.