In Memoriam
Remember her ever present smile, her brains & great personality that befriended all!
We were in Lassies together then in numerous classes & clubs at BA.
I knew she'd accomplish great things!
Elaine Estes 8/10/2023 5:51:35 PM
I did not know her as well as others, though I was in various classes with her throughout our 3 years at BA. I noted when looking at the Wikipedia article for Bryan Adams that she is listed as a notable alum. The footnote for it included a link to a tribute paid by Nancy Pelosi on the first anniversary of her death. It included the tribute Susan's husband wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle the same day. For any who did not know her, it is a worthwhile read. The link to the tributes follows. https://web.archive.org/web/20090203064832/http://www.house.gov/pelosi/flyoachm.htm
Mike Hunter 1/29/2021 11:25:28 AM
I too remember sharing the years from Hill all the way through SMU with Susan; she was sweet, funny, BRILLIANT, humble; I think of her often - and remember her warmly - I can still hear her voice and see her smile - such a loss; what a kind soul!
Kim Dettman Short 7/22/2013 1:32:46 PM
Susan and I were close friends from Gill Elementary all the way to SMU. She was fun, full of life and brilliant. She finished SMU in 2 1/2 years since she placed out of 45 hours after Bryan Adams. I think I was her comic relief. She met her future husband in political science class, she fell for Mike right away. The last time I saw her was at our 10 year reunion. She will be missed forever.
Patty Juno Hartley 7/20/2013 5:27:28 AM
I remember working with Susan on Honors English projects, Cougar Crossroads and Senior PUB. A brilliant girl and a super writer. I lost track of her after high school. I was happy to learn that she went on to become a journalist, as I did. Here's to achieving our dream, Susan. Yours ended far too soon.
Sheila Clancy 7/3/2013 3:02:43 PM
Susan and I were good friends at Hill and were always writing notes to each other during classes. She was so friendly and caring (and, of course, smart!). We lost touch after high school and I was so sad to learn of her passing.
Marjorie Allen 6/7/2013 3:01:37 PM
I remember being at the airport welcoming Susan home from winning the National Spelling Bee championship. We were all so proud of her. She was just Susan, smiling and humble!
Diane Sealey 6/3/2013 2:42:48 PM
in memory of a wonderful person - every year when I hear about the Spelling Bee champ, I still think of Susan. Smart, articulate, fun. A wonderful friend from BA73'.
Gail Farrell (Tenorio) 6/2/2013 3:44:46 PM
all you people went to gill? why don't I remember that? what I do remember was listening to a radio station years ago, and I swear, I heard Susan's voice reporting the news. she had a very distinctive voice, and every time I heard that voice on the radio I always wanted to ask her if she was behind it. I didn't know how to find her and I am very sorry I never got the chance to ask her.
Robin Judy 5/10/2013 8:36:19 PM
This is not a formal obituary, but it does shed light on Susan's life:
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Susan-Yoachum-S-F-Chronicle-3082579.php
In fact, I found a number of references to Susan's accomplishments and contributions by Googling this phrase: "Susan Yoachum San Francisco".
Craig Weeks 8/22/2012 10:14:49 AM
I couldn't find Susan's obit, but I did find her father's:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesherald/obituary.aspx?n=james-allan-yocum&pid=148089350#fbLoggedOut
Karen Ekiss-Minton 8/21/2012 4:28:29 PM
I knew Susan at Gill too ... and I was jealous! She was absolutely brilliant even then. Craig, we must have been in the same class because that teacher's name sounds familiar. Susan lived in my neighborhood and even though we were never really close she waved and I waved back every time we saw each other. She was a unique talent who possessed tremendous grace.
Karen Ekiss-Minton 7/9/2012 9:36:51 PM
I knew Susan at Gill. How we used to kid her about being so smart! (We were all jealous no doubt!) Kept up through Hill when we were in Lassies together and then lost touch at BA.
Cindy Watson (Burr) 4/5/2012 8:28:37 PM
I'm pretty sure that Susan and I were in Mrs. Stevener's 4th grade class at Gill. I moved to Bayles for 5th grade and never really had much contact after that, but she was brilliant, no doubt.
Craig Weeks 1/21/2012 3:23:42 PM
I loved me some Susan Yoachum! What a genuinely good person with such great talents in many areas! She was always a wonderful writer.
Jan Campbell 1/20/2012 8:11:12 PM