Susan Hansknecht Fogarty

Susan Hansknecht Fogarty, Age 77, Irvine, California, passed away on July 7, 2023 at home after a long series of illnesses.

Susan was an incredible wife and partner to her husband Bill and a very proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her smile warmed the hearts of family, friends and all those around her during her life.

She was a lover of books, music (from classical, rock and roll and everything in between), the arts, photography, her roses and gardening, cooking and experimenting with new tastes and flavors, friends, traveling to both new and favorite places, filled with a spirit of adventure, fishing with husband Bill and of course her family which was the center of her universe. Large family gatherings and celebrations were festive occasions that were filled with warmth, love, especially when the house was absolutely filled with her family, young ones and friends along with the aromas of her cooking. So many family gatherings centered around the kitchen and family room filled with tasting, talking, catching up on the lives of her family. Susan loved her cats (no more than two at a time) but especially loved her 3 boxers who were her constant companions and protectors.

Susan grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, attended Catholic Schools, elementary through college, then graduating from Cal State Fullerton. She worked for the County of Orange Social Service Agency from where she retired as a Regional Manager. Susan was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Ione Hansknecht, brothers and their spouses, Joe Jr. (Mary Beth) and Dick Hansknecht (Rosemary), and sister Ruth Guinn (Bill). On July 12, 2023 her brother-in-law Tom Black and on July 17, 2023 her sister, SR. Margaret Hansknecht also passed away.

Susan is survived by her sister Mary Lou Black (Tom), Wyoming, Mi., and brother Paul (Suzanne) Hansknecht, Holt, Mi. Susan will be loving remembered by her husband and partner in life together, married 42 years (43 in September) Bill Fogarty, Irvine, CA. Son, Michael McLellan and (Claudia Maunz-McLellan), Murrieta, CA; Daughter, Brigette McLellan, Grandson, Jason McLellan, Albany, GA.; Granddaughter, Cheyla Snyder (Erik Snyder), Great-Grandsons Parker Snyder and Hudson Snyder, Great-granddaughter Abigail Snyder, Leesburg, GA; Daughter, Lori Hawkins (Bruce Hawkins Jr.) Granddaughter, Kendall Williams, Great-granddaughter, Miya Carson and Great-grandson, Brady Sanders, Valdese, NC.; Grandson, Kendrick “Ricky” Williams, (Alexx South), Great-Granddaughters Kennedy Williams, Lacy South, Great-Grandson, Korbin Williams, Drexel, NC.; Granddaughter, Ariana Hawkins, Richmond Hill, GA.; Daughter, Stacy Mokma (Jeromy Drumm), Orangevale, CA., Granddaughter Ashlee Fogarty, Citrus Heights, CA., Grandson, Ethan Mokma, Cabot, AR.; Daughter, Michele Fogarty, (Todd Newell), Peculiar, MO, Grandson, Shane Pearson, Independence, MO., Granddaughter, Brianna Pearson, Rocky, OK. Brothers In Laws, Ken Fogarty (Cheri), Kailua Kona, Hi., Ron Fogarty (Katherine), Laguna Niguel, CA., Greg - aka Stretch (Emma Cooke), Waikoloa, HI.

Susan will be missed by her 5 children, 9 grandkids, 8 great-grandkids, brother and sister, 31 nieces & nephews many dear friends. Susan left us with this loving message for her family and friends, “Don’t be sad when I’m gone, because I’ll always be with you, so think about all of the great memories that we have all shared and created and that will always bring a smile to your heart”.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. Family, friends and dogs will all be invited to attend a casual gathering once a location is chosen.