Dec. 2, 1901 ~ Dec. 18, 2008

Resident of Rossmoor Susan Gibson Maier was a native Californian who died at her home in Rossmoor at the age of 107. Her life was full, her spirit was large, and death was kind.

Susan grew up in Clovis, a small, San Joaquin Valley community. Her father was the town's first mayor. After high school, Susan attended the University of California at Berkeley - a rare achievement for a young woman of her generation and background - and graduated in 1923. She then taught commercial courses at College City High School before leaving to marry Herbert Maier, an architect with the National Park Service. The successful raising of their three daughters kept Susan occupied for the next several years, but her desire to teach eventually propelled her back to the classroom, this time to Oakland High School. Throughout her life, Susan found special fulfillment in being among teenagers.

As a busy homemaker and teacher, Susan still found time to pursue special interests. She was a dedicated churchwoman, serving Unitarian Universalist churches in Oakland, Santa Barbara and Walnut Creek. As an accomplished musician, she took delight in playing the piano for family members and friends. Her keen intelligence found an outlet for expression in the American Association of University Women, and in retirement she became the president of the Berkeley Women's City Club.

Susan was precededin death by her husband who died in 1969. She is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Cheatham and Margot Bearden of Walnut Creek, and Phyllis Zagone of Berkeley. In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren who were the happy beneficiaries of Susan's playful spirit. Her final years were enlivened by her amazing mental acuity, good health and unfailing sense of humor.

A private memorial will be held in late January and interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.