1941
-
2025
A Life Well Lived…
Susan “Sue” Harrison passed away at the age of 83 on Monday, January 13, 2025. Born on November 15, 1941, in San Mateo, California, Sue was the cherished daughter of Howard and Dorothy Asp. Her early years were spent in Evanston, Illinois, where she was raised alongside her siblings, Gerry, Keith, and Anne. From a young age, Sue’s bright spirit shone through her involvement in Girl Scouts and various sports. By the age of ten, she knew without a doubt that she wanted to be a Physical Education teacher, a dream that would shape the course of her life.
After graduating from Evanston Township High School, Sue pursued her passion for teaching by attending the University of Iowa, where she earned her degree in Physical Education. Longing for a change of scenery, she left behind the cold winters of the Midwest and moved to the sunny warmth of California. There, she furthered her education at San Jose State University, obtaining her General Secondary Degree. It was in the Bay Area where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Harrison. The two were married on April 24, 1965, and built a life and family together in San Jose, raising two children, Les and Jennifer.
Sue’s career as a high school P.E. teacher and coach was nothing short of extraordinary. She had a gift for inspiring young women, helping them discover their potential both on and off the field. She coached softball, swimming, and field hockey, leaving a lasting impression on countless students throughout her years in the Campbell Unified School District. At Branham High School, she guided her field hockey teams to numerous league championships, including a proud victory at the Central Coast Section Championship in 1989.
Upon retiring in 1994, Sue and Bob embraced a new chapter of their lives, relocating to beautiful Lake Almanor, California. The couple reveled in the joys of travel, golf, fishing, and exploring art fairs and car shows…so many car shows! Sue became an active member of the Lake Almanor Country Club Women’s Golf Club, where she contributed her energy to organizing tournaments. In 2005, they moved to Chico, California, to be closer to their children and three beloved grandchildren: Aliya, James, and Kelsey Hennessy. As “Grammy Sue,” she was a constant presence in their lives, attending every school event, sports game, and activity, always offering love and encouragement. Her passion for golf continued, and she became an active member of the Bidwell Women’s Golf Club.
In 2014, Sue and Bob moved to Southern California to continue to support to their daughter and grandchildren. Here, Sue joined the Sun City Quilting Club, pouring her heart into the Quilts of Valor program, a cause she held dear. Over the next decade, Sue continued to be the best wife, mother, and Grammy Sue imaginable, her warmth and kindness touching all who knew her.
In 2019, Sue was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, but even in the face of this challenge, she remained a beacon of love and strength for her family. Her legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and a heart full of joy. Sue’s life, beautifully lived, leaves a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will forever be remembered for her boundless love, her unwavering support, and the incredible gift of being there for others, especially her family.
Sue, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of your family, friends, and all whose lives you touched.
To celebrate Sue’s life, a gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Seascape Beach Resort (Peninsula Room - from Noon to 3pm), located at One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, CA 95003.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the Women’s Sports Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to enabling women and girls reach their potential in sports and life.