Susan Anne Hendricks

Born the middle child of five children to Deane and Dolores Hendricks in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Susan Hendricks was a ball of fire from the get go! Susan told happy stories about her early years in the heavy snows of Minnesota and the hot summers full of giant mosquitos. In 1966, the family moved to Encino, California, and then on to Carmel, California in 1972, at which point Susan became a California girl for life. Susan loved Carmel, the ocean and mountains. She met her lifelong best friend, Carolyn Erner, there and the town by the sea would launch Susan on a truly adventurous and joyful life.

In her early teens Susan moved out of her parents’ house and took a room in a rented house in town and worked while attending Carmel High School. Susan was always a scrapper – she was able to make beautiful things and experiences with limited resources. Adversity was fuel for Susan’s fire, and she thrived. Among Susan’s most often shared stories were the many escapades with Carolyn, and the wonderful family of Captain Erner; about Flaherty’s Fish Market where Susan worked; about the best, freshest fish and oysters you ever tasted; about the hottest fisherman you ever saw (Maynard – looking at you!); about Steven Seaweed on the radio and in the studio; about Johnny Mieske and adventures on Cannery Row.

In approximately 1985, Susan moved down the coast to Santa Barbara. Susan was drawn to the authentic, historic side of Santa Barbara. She loved horses and could often be found in full costume riding in the Fiesta parade celebrating with confetti, and later with drinks at Joe’s. She loved a great restaurant or bar, and frequented Cold Spring Tavern, and Josie’s Four Winds. Susan made numerous lifelong friends in Santa Barbara, including Buzzy McGillis, Dawn Pennington, Judy and Steve Pearce, and Molly Barker –each of whom would co-pilot with Susan on so many wild adventures that one newspaper could not hold them all. From Mexico to New Orleans, to just down the highway to Ventura, life was an adventure with Susan on board, and the mundane somehow became the fantastic. Muleje, Baja and Jalama Beach were places Susan mentioned often with colorful stories and fond memories of blown tires, the freshest food, and days under the sun.

Susan did a little of everything career-wise, and excelled wherever she went. Susan often spoke proudly of her time as a floral designer with Scott Hoag in Montecito, and she continued to “Wow!” her friends and family with her flair for flowers, including amazing holiday centerpieces and wedding arrangements all of her life. Susan also had a love of words, wrote heartfelt poetry and fiction, and always had a great joke to share.

Susan loved life and loved her friends and family. She was always the first to offer a hand, and the last to leave, always willing and ready with a smile. Susan was amazing in so many ways to so many people. She will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched. Susan is survived by her mother, Dolores Hendricks; her loving siblings Bruce, Sharon, and Dale; her “Black Hole” family Sara, Bryce, Liam, and Aubreigh Killen; and a host of amazing friends who miss her dearly. Whoohoo!! We love you Nunu!