Friday, 29 March 2024

Susan Van Horn

Susan Van Horn. Courtesy photo.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A pebble tossed into a placid pond sends out many ripples that steadfastly move to the shoreline, the ripples making their acquaintance with all things there.

This is how Susie lived her life. She brought joy to those in despair, happiness to the sad, food and drink to the hungry and a blanket to the cold.

Susie never knew a stranger, her bright smile and fresh energy would make you feel right at home — happy to know her. Susie was a great listener and always remembered something special about those she met. She loved to give special gifts to people, just to brighten their day, there was no occasion nor person that she missed.

Born on May 28, 1962, in Vineland, New Jersey, Susie spent most of her childhood growing up on the farm in the swamps of Florida; she would talk about walking to the school bus passing frogs, snakes and occasionally alligators.

She spoke fondly of her grandparents, Warren and Lillian, whose strength had a profound influence on her.

Elaine, Susie’s mother, was a Pan Am employee in the seventies and eighties and was able to get flight passes on the cheap and as such she and Susie were able to fly around the world, Istanbul, Turkey being a favorite, then Hong Kong and Austria where as a teen Susie was able to do some incredible skiing.

Susie was very proud of her Scottish heritage and would talk fondly of the fierce Gordon clan of Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

One of Susie’s pleasures in life was preparing artful and flavorful meals for her friends and family at which time her French heritage would take forefront, making wonderful sauces with wine and occasionally putting wine in the sauce.

Susie was a fiercely devoted wife, a best friend, superb travel partner, confidant, warm and intelligent. She loved her family and would do anything for them, she was a loving mother and a mother well loved, she was a dutiful daughter, beloved sister, and favorite aunt and cousin. She was a tender and doting grandmother.

One of Susie’s favorite sayings was: “Life is beautiful, enjoy what you have.”

On Oct. 11, 2022, Susie was raised up from this world by the arms of our loving Father where she is a faithful soul for God as she was here for us.

Susie is survived by her loving husband, Doug Van Horn; daughter, Ashley (Seth) Cook; son, Daniel Smith; stepdaughter, Alexia Wiles; father, Arthur Almond Fresne; mother, Elaine Pyper Fresne; sisters, Jane Fresne and Marion, Mare Mare (Brian) Johns; grandchildren, Jaxyn and Scarlett and many nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly.

We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 TNIV.

A celebration of life for Susie will be held March 25, starting at noon at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road.

If you have questions please contact Doug at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

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