April 22, 1947 – July 10,2026
Susan Lorraine Richardson, a dedicated public servant, lifelong nurse, and fierce advocate for animals, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026 at the age of 79. Born on April 22, 1947, in Bakersfield, California, Susan was the cherished daughter of Jack Vanoy Richardson and Lillian Sandrini. She grew up deeply proud of her roots, carrying both the vibrant Italian heritage of her mother’s family and the resilient Texas and Oklahoma spirit of her father’s side.
Susan’s life was defined by defying odds. Born with the rare medical condition dextrocardia situs inversus totalis, along with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, she was told as a child that she would not live to see her 18th birthday. Instead, she filled the next six decades with boundless energy, running track and performing on the drill team at South High School, before graduating with the proud Class of 1965. Though her final hope was to reach her 80th birthday and to see President Trump no longer in office, she never let her health hold her back from a full, impactful life.
Her exceptional academic achievements at South High earned her the prestigious Elbridge A. Stuart Scholarship, a full four-year tuition honor, awarded through her father’s dedicated career with the Carnation Company. A true lifelong learner, Susan began her higher education at Bakersfield Junior College, later earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach in 1970. Her thirst for knowledge never stopped; she later went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Interior Design and successfully obtained her California real estate license. While in Long Beach she met her husband of 15 years, Don Hansen.
Being a nurse was one of Susan’s greatest joys. Her calling took her to Long Beach, where she honorably cared for veterans at the VA Hospital, before transitioning into public health to serve the broader community. Beyond her career, life took her on beautiful adventures, including spending nine wonderful years living in Issaquah, Washington, and another nine years in Camarillo CA, alongside her lifelong friend, Gene Webber.
Susan’s absolute greatest passion, however, was helping animals. She was infamous for seeking out the hardest, most challenging cases from local animal shelters and bringing them home so they could live out their remaining days enveloped in pure dignity and love. Her most recent compassionate mission involved rescuing mice from pet stores that were destined to be reptile food. For them, she meticulously designed an expansive, intricate terrarium system that any city planner would have been proud of.
Though she never had children of her own, Susan was a deeply beloved sister, cousin, and friend who poured her maternal, nurturing heart into her family, friends and the creatures she loved and protected.
When asked what message she would most like to share with the world upon her passing, Susan left us with these words to live by: "Be kind to animals and be kind and respectful to others as we are more alike than different."
A memorial service to celebrate Susan's extraordinary life and legacy will be announced at a later date. In honor of her final wishes and her immense heart, the family humbly asks you to consider a donations in her honor to Paw Works, an animal rescue she actively volunteered with and deeply loved.
www.pawworks.org