Susan Pliner

It is with great sadness that we announce that Susan Pliner passed away in her home surrounded by those she loved on March 5, 2022.  Susan, or Susie as she was known by many of her friends, loved all living things.  If you knew her you knew about her children Michael and Ellen but also her grandchildren who were her pride and joy.  Michael and Sara live in Marietta, Georgia and Lauren and Tyler live in Jamul, California.  Gardening was a passion and landscape design was always an interest for her.  Even during the period of diminished energy due to her valiant 15 month battle with leukemia you could find her out planting or replanting as a way to connect with nature and the Creator.

Susan was born in a small town in Southern Minnesota but raised near Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She earned a bachelor’s degree at Oakland University and a master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from University of Detroit.  Susan’s love of children made her a good fit as a school psychologist in Rochester, Michigan and later Wellesley Schools in Boston.  Susan was always active in service to her church.  When she moved to California she was a deacon at Shadow Mountain Community Church and later Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church.  After retirement, Susan’s love of God and people led her to re-train to be a hospital chaplain and was Staff Chaplain at Palomar Poway hospital until she was stricken with cancer in November of 2020.  The prognosis was initially 2-6 months but thanks to the Lord, her family, the diligent work of her doctors (with special thanks to Dr. Sabitha Pasha) and the support of her many friends and neighbors (special thanks to Jim Gabriel) who brought food, flowers and gifts unending she was able to enjoy 15 months after diagnosis.  The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude for all those who supported her.  Susan endured many blood transfusions to prolong her life and we would encourage anyone who cared for her to consider donating blood to the San Diego Blood Bank in honor of her (patient code SP22).  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Susan’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

A memorial service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held on March 19th at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church at 1:00.  Please feel free to share remembrances at legacy.com.

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