Susan Ann Dyke ‘71 passed away unexpectedly at home on July
14, 2024. She attended Francis Parker and Andrew Jackson
Elementary Schools, Horace Mann Junior High, and Crawford. While
in elementary school Susan’s life was impacted by a diagnosis of
diabetes. Under her mother’s care, she acquired the skills and
knowledge required to monitor her health effectively. As a result,
she experienced a full schedule of activities as a typical high
school student. She was an officer in the Crawford Pacerettes and
participated in the High School Fellowship at Skyline Wesleyan
Church. At Skyline she pursued her interest in music, singing in
the performance group “His Girls.” The challenge she faced living
with a chronic disease gave shape to her vocational aspirations.
After Crawford she entered the nursing program at San Diego State
University and graduated with her B.A.. After several years as a
nurse, she applied to UC, San Francisco to advance her education
in their Master’s program. She graduated with an M.A. in Nursing,
earning membership in the Sigma Eta Tau National Honor Society of
Nursing. Susan continued working for the VA and in January of 2000
was awarded certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in
Gerontology from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. On May
25, 1991, she married David Ransom. Sadly, less than thirteen
years later, David succumbed to a chronic illness of his own and
Susan began life as a widow. She became a key member of the Home
Care Nursing team at the VA here in San Diego, and ultimately
earned the Department of Veteran Affairs 40-Year Service Award.
Susan retired in 2024 but maintained an active participation in
the fellowship and music ministry at Shadow Mountain Community
Church. Susan was an active member of the La Mesa Lions Club,
where her mother had served as President. Susan is survived by
her two brothers William “Joe” ‘65 and Jim ’66 and their families.
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