Susan Darlene Solano

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Susan Darlene Solano. Susan fought a short but courageous battle with an aggressive form of cancer, but she left us with many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.

Susan was lifelong resident of Watsonville, born to Alejo "Alex" Rios Solano and the late Patricia L. Gospodnetich Solano. She leaves behind a large and extended family including her husband, Christopher Valdivia; children Justin Valdivia (Emily), Natalya Estrada (Erik) and Jason Valdivia; siblings GeriAnne Simmons (Tom), Manny Solano (Megan), Michael Solano (Nate) and Michelle Leahy (Jim); grandchildren, Henry and Clara Valdivia, Satyana, Roiya and Romeo Estrada, and McKenzie, Bryson and Alayna Valdivia; nieces and nephews Adam, Gregory and Nikole Simmons, Daniel, Nicholas and Alex Solano, Tasha Cabrera, Vincent, Dominic, Santino and Sofia Leahy as well as many other family and friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved being their "Nona".

Being a daughter of Alex and Patricia, she knew she would follow in their footsteps by partaking in many community and organizational activities as a volunteer and giving of her time to help others. She was one of the original members of the former YACO, now SACO (Slavic American Cultural Organization), and took great interest in learning more about her heritage. After graduation from Watsonville High School (Class of 1981), she was able to travel to Croatia and Europe on a Study Abroad Scholarship from YACO and spent time connecting with family members as well as making many new friends. During the years her children attended Watsonville High School, Susan was a tireless supporter of the Wildcatz Football Team, and their Grad Night events. She was also a member of the former local American Legion Women's Auxiliary and supported many of their projects. As an avid runner, she loved to participate in the many races that were held on the central coast as well as taking daily walks along the local trails. She took great pride in her many years as a Customer Service representative for local frozen food companies that included Crosetti Frozen Foods, Dean Foods, Superior Foods, and Titan Frozen Foods. She enjoyed time with her co-workers as well as interacting with her many customers and vendors.

We will be forever grateful to Susan's many friends and loved ones for their thoughts and prayers, the dishes that were prepared and delivered and the cards and flowers that were sent to her to wish her well. We would especially like to extend our appreciation to her medical teams at both Palo Alto Medical Foundation, especially Dr. Rohan Ahluwalia and Dr. Kuntal Thaker, as well as her care team at UCSF Hospital and Hospice of Santa Cruz County. The support given to both Susan and the family was so appreciated and will be remembered forever.

As per Susan's wishes, a private memorial service has been held under the direction of Mehl's Colonial Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date, information will be shared once that is scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, or a charity of your choice.

We will never say goodbye Susan. We know that we will see you again one day. Until then, catch up with Mom and Uncle Jerry and know that we will always love you to the moon and back!

"Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight

Here one day

Gone one night

Like a sunset

Dying with the rising of the moon

Gone too soon"

(Songwriters: Larry Grossman & Alan "Buz" Kohan)

Published in The Pajaronian · January 6, 2023