Garcia, Susan Nona (Bertram) (10/14/39–11/11/09). Susan Bertram from Menasha, Wisconsin received her B.A. from Grinnell in June 1961 as a physical education major. She was active in the Women’s Recreation Association, the women’s swimming program (White Caps) and was a member of the women’s athletic honorary group (Women’s Honor G). She was a resident of James and Cleveland Halls.
After graduating from Grinnell, Susan taught for one year in Spokane, Washington, where she met and married Robert Garcia, Jr., an Air Force pilot. While Bob was in the Air Force, they were stationed in Washington, Texas, Hawaii, and Okinawa, and Susan enjoyed the opportunity to make friends around the world, to travel and to experience different cultures.
After Bob retired from the Air Force, they settled in Redlands, California. There she especially enjoyed working with the young people in the Athletic Department at California State University–San Bernardino. She volunteered for numerous organizations in Redlands and the other places where she lived, including the Red Cross, Family Services, Meals on Wheels, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and as a Eucharistic minister for Holy Name Catholic Church of Redlands. Susan greatly enjoyed travel, athletics, duplicate bridge, gardening and family gatherings. She exhibited great strength and courage while battling cancer.
Susan was survived by her husband, Bob Garcia, her daughters Carolyn Tuff and Marilyn Kott, her son Maj. John Garcia and eight grandchildren, as well as her sister Marilyn Jersild and her brother John Bertram.
