With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Susan Renee Herrick on July 15, 2026, in Ventura, California. She will long be remembered for her gift of bringing family and friends together, sharing home-cooked meals, and filling every gathering with laughter.
Susan was born on March 9, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Marguerite C. Palis and William J. Krivanek. She moved with her mother and two older sisters to Venice, California, where she grew up, graduating from Venice High School.
Susan found her greatest joy in those she loved most. In December 1964, she married her beloved husband, John Paul Herrick, and together they shared 51 years of marriage filled with love and the blessings of family.
As a young Navy wife, Susan embraced the adventures and opportunities of military life with grace and resilience.
During the early years of motherhood, Susan treasured her role as a stay-at-home mom, allowing her to be present for the milestones and everyday experiences that shaped her children’s lives. She devoted herself to raising them with loving care, faith, and a strong foundation of family values.
They moved throughout California and Hawaii as part of her husband’s military service, making lasting memories and building a life together wherever they were stationed.
In 1974, they settled in Ventura, California, where they put down roots, continued raising their two children, and filled their lives with cherished memories, lifelong friendships, and a strong sense of community.
Susan went on to establish a successful and fulfilling career in real estate, earning the respect and affection of colleagues throughout Ventura County. She began her career in 1975 and quickly established herself as a top-producing agent before becoming a corporate manager with Don L. Carlton Realtors. In 1992, she and her husband, John, purchased the residential division, creating Herrick & Company Realtors, which later became a successful Prudential franchise with offices in Ojai and Ventura. She continued operating their independent brokerage company, serving clients with integrity, knowledge, and genuine care.
Deeply committed to her passion, Susan served in numerous leadership roles and was widely recognized for her contributions to the real estate community.
She served as President of the Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS® (VCCAR) in 2010, following many years on its Board of Directors, and also served for many years as a Director for the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.). She contributed extensively to industry governance and policy development, serving on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Committee and the Ventura County Regional Data Share (VCRDS).
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and service, Susan was honored as REALTOR® of the Year by the Ventura Board of REALTORS® and later received REALTOR® Emeritus status from the National Association of REALTORS®, recognizing more than four decades of valuable contributions to the profession. She was known as a trusted mentor, leader, and advocate for the real estate community.
Susan‘s commitment to serving others extended far beyond her real estate career. She served on the Board of Directors of Casa Pacifica for 15 years, helping to advance and support the organization’s mission of providing hope, healing, and care to abused, neglected, and at-risk children and families throughout the Tri-Counties. She was also an active member of the Casa Pacifica Angels, where she generously dedicated her time and energy to supporting fundraising efforts and raising awareness for the organization’s vital work. Susan believed deeply in giving back to her community and led by example through her commitment to service.
Family was the center of Susan’s world and the source of her pride and joy. She considered her greatest accomplishment to be raising her two children into happy, responsible adults, and nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren and creating memories they would cherish for a lifetime. Whether she was planning Easter egg hunts, hosting spaghetti and tostada nights, taking train rides, playing Monte Carlo and mini golf, painting little fingernails, or making root beer floats, Susan had a special way of turning ordinary moments into treasured traditions.
Susan expressed her love through every meal and gathering. An exceptional cook, she delighted in preparing delicious meals that brought everyone to her table, where no one ever left hungry and everyone felt welcome. Her kind, loving heart and genuine interest in others made people feel comfortable, heard, and at home. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could often be found at family gatherings surrounded by conversation, keeping a watchful eye on her grandchildren while quietly taking in the joy around her. In quieter moments, she enjoyed cuddling with her beloved dogs, reading the newspaper, and tending to her rose garden.
More than anything, Susan leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through the family connections she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the memories that will be treasured for generations to come.
Susan is survived by her children, Daren Herrick and Denise Borchert; her cherished grandchildren, Kane and Donavon Borchert and Isabella, Clayton and Madeline Herrick; her sister, Lana Johnson; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.
She was reunited in heaven with her husband, John Herrick; her mother, Marguerite Moschetto; and her sister, Margo Turner.
Family and friends are invited to Susan’s memorial service to be held on Sunday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m. at the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Dr., Ventura, CA 93003.