Sue Jamgochian
It is with sadness in our hearts that we share the news: Sue passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024. After bravely battling ovarian cancer for 15 months, the cancer won. To quote her loving daughter-in-law, Sue was always “prepared, organized, kind, and a wonderful friend to all.” Being a dignified woman of grace, she gave us all a final gift. She wrote the following obituary to comfort us. Susan Carol Schwank Carr Jamgochian tells us, “I have gone on, down the stream, around the bend. I loved my life and all the people who populated it throughout the years: my beloved parents, Walter and Anne Schwank; my dear husbands, Fred Carr and Dick Jamgochian; my classmates at Cherimoya Avenue and Dixie Canyon Elementary Schools, North Hollywood Junior & Senior High Schools, and the University of California at Santa Barbara.”
Sue remained in Santa Barbara after graduating from UCSB and became a highly respected educa-tor. So, of course, Sue expresses her love for “all my students at Ellwood, Mountain View and Foothill Elementary Schools.” Those who had the privilege of working with her, and her students and their families, all recognized her exceptional teaching skills and benefited greatly from her sen-sitivity to the individual needs of her students. She created a special learning environment where we all felt safe and enjoyed being there.
Sue especially appreciated her “acquired, blessed family, Bob and Ken Jamgochian, & Kathy Bey-ers & their spouses, Ann, Stephanie & Joe; all the grand ‘grands,’ Madia, Amanda & Albert, Chet & Karen, Katie, Kevin, Sophia & Rebecca; & the brand new great-grand, Charlotte!” In the weeks be-fore she spent her short stay at Serenity House, all the family came to celebrate a birthday here in Santa Barbara. Sue beamed as she recounted their fun filled time together, and she shared how meaningful this family time together was for her. She deeply loved them all and she felt their deep love for her.
Sue touched so many people, so many lives. Professionally, colleagues, students, and their fami-lies, all benefited from knowing her and working with her. Personally, Sue was the friend who eve-ryone dreams of having; she was always there to help others. No matter what the need may be, Sue was ready and willing to be there for you. She was empathetic and a compassionate helper. Helping others is what gave Sue joy. She was efficient, methodical, brave, and always strong (at least on the outside). Sue writes, “I hope, as I passed through, that I made a difference. I hope that the world is just a tiny bit better because I lived. Then I can travel on in peace with a smile in my heart,” Because we witnessed the good she brought to this world, we see that smile; we can find comfort knowing she has found peace.
Sue had a strong attachment to butterflies; there is something called the butterfly effect. “It is a metaphor for the concept that small seemingly insignificant events — like the fluttering of a butter-fly’s wings — can produce tremendous and unanticipated consequences.” When Sue shares her final thoughts, she asks “in lieu of flowers, “if you are so inclined, please make a contribution to the Humane Society/animal welfare organization, or to Elings Park through the Elings Park Foundation,” a place she and her dogs enjoyed together. Staying true to herself, she speaks of bringing & finding joy, “Please send flowers to someone you love, send donations to someone in need, send positive thoughts into the universe, and celebrate
today and every day.” Signed, “That’s All Folks, Joie, Sue”
Sue J. will be missed, but we can find joy in knowing she is no longer in pain; she is flying with the butterflies.
Celebration of Life will be Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, 1:30 PM
Carriage Hill Clubhouse, Carriage Hill Lane, Santa Barbara
Please use the Vieja Road entrance