Susan Diane Leedy

Susan Diane Leedy passed peacefully on June 19, 2016. Susan fought a tremendous battle against cancer for over a year and won. Susan hung her pink boxing gloves at every treatment which signified her strength and perseverance and remained positive through all the treatments. Sadly, the treatments were devastating and caused irreparable harm.

Susan's family will miss her deeply. Her husband, Bud Leedy, remained devoted and supportive for 30 years. Susan's daughter, Laura Leedy, was the ultimate joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister Janet Mudge and Dan Mudge, brother Dean Churchwell and Dana Miller and her nephew Andrew, nieces Angela and Sarah as well as many other family members and friends who were treated like family by Susan.

Susan was feisty, funny, brave, strong, dynamic and was kinder and more generous than most. Susan may have shared a few choice words or "terms of endearment" with you but rest assured you would expect a warm bear hug and a big kiss on the lips because she loved you.

Susan was a lifelong Bakersfield resident and a highly respected member of the community. She earned her Bachelors and Masters Degree at Cal State Bakersfield and began her professional career in finance. Her most recent position was with Great-West Financial as a Key Retirement Plan Counselor. For 19+ years, she assisted County of Kern employees with their retirement goals. Susan's love for education brought on a second career teaching at the University of La Verne. Her students loved her and recognized her as being the "hardest and best teacher".

In 1995, Susan joined the Bakersfield East Rotary Club and held every office including President. Susan acknowledged others before herself by presenting the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow to four. She never neglected a commitment and chaired the Rotary Pasta Feast in her final months of pregnancy.

Susan loved her "favorite things": Veuve Clicquot Champagne ("better not put orange juice in it"), sports and entertaining in her home. Soccer, water skiing, wake boarding were her favorite sports. Susan was the ultimate hostess at Christmas time continuing her grandparent's tradition. Her house was impeccably decorated for Christmas down to gift wrapped pictures on the walls.

Susan was the ultimate Disney fanatic with her proud distinction of being a premier annual pass holder. Many important birthdays were celebrated at Disneyland and those in attendance knew to follow her direction and be at the gates for their opening.

Susan enjoyed her trips to Lake Trinity and would be the activities director to ensure everyone had a great time- always putting others first. She would organize the "ladies run" early morning so everyone would get a chance to ski and watch the champagne flow and warm up with Baileys and coffee.

Susan loved history, playing games and reading. When playing her favorite game, trivial pursuit, everyone wanted to be on her team. She was brilliant.

Susan and her sister/best friend, Janet, were instrumental in organizing numerous trips and events: Churchwell Family Reunion, Girls Christmas Shopping trips to the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, RV excursions and trips to places like New York or Washington DC. She was a leader. Her motto was "the more the merrier" sometimes exceeding capacity rules in hotels or party venues. Everyone always felt welcome.

Bud and Susan were married for 30 years - a partnership built from love and support. Susan loved her daughter so much and enjoyed watching her play many sports. Susan loved her dogs through the years with many of them named after her favorite adult libations.

If the lives Susan positively touched met in one place, the Staples Center would exceed capacity. She was such a big hearted woman and not afraid to show her emotions and very proud to share her love for others. May the infinite family memories, along with the love and support of family and friends, offer comfort to Bud and Laura during this time.

In lieu of flowers, if you are inclined, make a donation to a charity of your choice in Susan's name