Susanne Holdenried Goff
1935-2013

The fifth generation daughter of pioneers, Susanne was born on Oct. 22, 1935, in Oakland, Calif.

Her parents, Eugene and Jean Holdenried, raised Bartlett pears and black Angus cattle in the Kelseyville, Calif., area all of their lives. Jean was also a well known Lake County artist.

Susanne’s maternal grandparents, Fred and Nellie Dorn, donated the land for Clear Lake State Park. Fred was an attorney turned farmer, and Nellie was an artist in her own right.

Susanne’s brother, Myron (Marilyn) and her sister, Linda Holdenried, live in Kelseyville and survive their older sister.

Susanne also has five children and their families who survive her, beginning with the youngest: Tom and Cindy, their children Christopher, Stephanie, Tasha (Travis), Jessica, Raelin, and their two grandchildren, Avalyn and Jaycob; Dan and Deanna, their children Kaitlyn, Riley and Cooper; Tim and Sharon, their children Frederick, Rose, Mark, Parker and Joshua; Henry and Karen, their children Kendra and Dominic; and Linda and Ernie (Steven and Kelly Oberlander) with Heather and Kelsey.

Susanne entered into rest on Jan. 2, 2013.

She was a proud mom, grandma and great-grandma. She was a graduate of Clear Lake High School, UC Davis (B.S in home economics), and Dominican College.

She was an active member in her community, and an inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy includes her work as a youth in 4-H, her activities at UC Davis, and as an adult, she contributed greatly to her community through her work with Junior Women, AAUW & Presbyterian Women.

Susanne earned her master’s degree in education from Dominican College, and was the original associate dean of instruction for the Lake County Center for Mendocino Junior College (March 1978-November 1979). She ran unopposed for the Mendocino College Board of Trustees, and held that position from 1979-1987.

While serving as a college board trustee, she also taught home economics, history and English at Kelseyville High School.  

In her retirement years, along with her continued involvement with Presbyterian Women, Susanne quilted, belonged to the Study Club, and taught her grandchildren to read.

Susanne’s life and her legacy can be understood if you’ve ever seen the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” with James Stewart. Because Susanne lived, and because Susanne loved, her influence was felt by all ... it would, indeed, have been a tragedy if she had never been. But, because we knew her, because we loved her, and because we listened to her, we are all better people.

Susanne, Mom, Grandma ... we miss you. It is not right that you are gone, but we also know we must (and we want to) wish you safe passage to your next life. We love you.

Services for Susanne will be held at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. A gathering will take place immediately afterward in the Friendship Hall at the Church.

Additionally, Tom and Cindy welcome all to their home at 4745 Renfro Drive, Kelseyville, after the gathering.

Any and all donations are appreciated and should be directed to Presbyterian Women, c/o Liz Nalley, Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, P O Box 310,  Kelseyville, CA 95451.