Susan Elaine Cannon McOmber, aged 73, died peacefully on May 3, 2022, of complications incident to Alzheimer’s disease. Born April 26, 1949, in Salt Lake City, third daughter of D. James and Elaine Anderson Cannon, Susan as a child joined her parents and five siblings on frequent family trips within and well beyond Wasatch Front environs, especially excursions arranged during her father’s term as Director of Tourism for the State of Utah. Their rustic family cabin, situated along the shores of Hebgen Lake (West Yellowstone), became not only a favorite vacation destination but also a wellspring of enriching and unforgettable experiences that fostered the strong and loving filial bonds that characterized Susan’s immediate and extended family circle.
Breaking through a natural, self-effacing reserve, the youthful Susan moved on to develop deep, lasting friendships and to discover talents and interests--notably artistic and particularly vocal--that, for example, brought her onto East High (Susan's alma mater) stages via its elite A cappella and Madrigal ensembles.
College life for Susan commenced as an Art major (she ultimately transitioned to Communication studies) at the University of Utah, where she affiliated with Chi Omega as a legacy sorority inductee, as did her three sisters, XΩs and U of U alumnae all. Expanding her horizons further, Susan interrupted studies following her sophomore year to take a year-long job with the Peace Corps in Washington, D. C., a riveting experience punctuated by the tumultuous events of 1968. Not long after her subsequent return to the U she met law student Bryant McOmber, whom she married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1971. Locating thereafter to the Oakland/Piedmont area, the two eventually moved to Palo Alto (1981) where they continued to raise their four children, Susan balancing intermittent careers in international interior design and, eventually, real estate brokerage--all while concurrently prioritizing home life and tirelessly chronicling myriad family events via journals, letters, notes, and photographs. No less important to her were the responsibilities she shouldered in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, among them service as Relief Society president, Primary president and, notably, in leadership roles with the regionally popular Christmas Crèche exhibitions that annually brought to the Palo Alto [LDS] Ward chapel thousands of visitors of many faiths, many of whom generously contributed their own nativities for display.
During her mother’s tenure as General Young Women President of the Church [1978-1984], Susan joined her for much of the national and international travel inescapably requisite to her mother’s calling. Those and similarly elevating experiences deepened Susan’s commitment to the Gospel and to the Church that meant so much to her.
Susan’s personal interests also became a motivation for frequent trips within the US and to Europe (especially with family and dear friends), exploration of culinary arts, entertaining, opera, tennis and, not least, fashion design and fine needlecraft: when daughters Erin and Hilary, for
example, performed as members of the Palo Alto High School Madrigals (a selective Renaissance vocal ensemble), they were exquisitely attired in Elizabethan-era gowns sewn by their mother.
Susan was predeceased by her parents, brothers Jamie and Tony, sisters Carla and Christine ("Kiki"), and sister-in-law Christine Jacobsen Cannon. In addition to sister Holly Metcalf (Richard) and sisters-in-law Rebecca Cannon and Kathy Cannon Anderson, Susan is survived by husband Bryant and children Erin, Nate (Katie), Hilary McDonough (David) and James, as well as eight grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Palo Alto Ward chapel, 3865 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Imperial Ward chapel, 2738 Filmore Street, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held there on Friday, May 20, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am.
Those who wish to view the services in Utah via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82210942294
Dear Bryant and Family, We are so sorry to read of Susan's passing. We know these past few years have been difficult. She is in a better place, and we know you will be glad to be with her again someday.
We appreciated all the love and beauty she brought to the world around her. I especially enjoyed working with her for many years on the Creche Exhibit.
We have travel plans this month, so we will be in Utah when you have the Palo Alto service and in Nevada when you have the Utah service. We are sorry to miss on both ends, but o our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Ken and Sue Allen
So sorry to hear the loss of Susan. I remember working on a remodel of the McOmber house in Palo Alto when I worked for a local contractor. It was a majorly intrusive remodel which we did while the McOmbers were living in the house and I worked hard to keep the dust and construction debris to a minimum at Susan's request. When I was scoutmaster, and after James was no longer was in scouts, the McOmbers donated camping equipment to me which I still have to this day--all items were labelled "McOmber". I smile thinking about them whenever I see/use it. Don Ganschow
We send our deepest condolences to the McOmber family, Susan will be greatly missed. Love the Donald and Paige Przybyla Family
Dear Hilary & Family,
My heartfelt condolences with God's comfort and love. Your mother, Susan was so kind when I joined the LDS church over thirty years ago. She always had a beautiful smile and a warm greeting at church services and events for me. Words cannot fully express my sympathy; however, I will be grateful and remember her gentle acceptance and non-judgmental spirit.
Thank you and your family for sharing Susan with me and so many others.
God's Peace Blessings,
Saundra & Family
I was very saddened to hear of Susan's passing. Although I know she and her family were suffering greatly, all untimely deaths are tragic.
Her sister, Carla, was one of my dearest friends. Her untimely death several years ago leveled me and I think of Carla and miss her every day. I send my most profound sympathy and condolences to the McOmber and Cannon families. May Susan rest in eternal peace.
Dear Holly,
I am saddened to hear about Susan.
She was always kind to me growing up in SLC
when we were living close by your house.
Blessings for your family that you will be comforted as you find peace in the presence of the Lord 🙏🏻❤️
Love,
Connie Coombs Oseth
Bryant,
So sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She is now in a better place, but sorely missed by her family. May the Lord bless you and your extended family with the peace and solace only He can give.
LeGrand
My precious Cannon and McComber family!
I was so sad to hear of Susan‘s passing! I know it’s been a rough time for all of you! She was one classy, wonderful, beautiful lady and I remember a childhood of fun when my folks brought me up to Salt Lake and dropped me off at Aunt Elaine and Uncle Jim’s to spend time and spend the night and go on adventures with the Cannon’s! What tender memories and what a family!
Susan, obviously and naturally went on to do great things, married a wonderful companion and raised a beautiful family!
Although it’s been many years, I have kept you all in my thoughts and prayers and send my love and the love of my entire Brooks family!
Treasure the beautiful memories and just think of the incredible party going on that eventually we will all be a part of!
With my love,
Kathie Cannon Brooks (Winfield’s daughter)
I love Susan and feel grateful for our early friendship with Bryant and the children when they lived in the Oakland Ward. Susan was an inspiration in so many ways: her kindness, her creativity, her parenting skills, her leadership abilities. Wherever she was, there was beauty, warmth, and friendship. I am sorry she left us at such an early age and under such difficult circumstances. Sending love to all of you outstanding children, and to Bryant. What a blessing she was to your family and to all who were fortunate to know her. Though I didn't see the family in later years, Susan will always be one of the "special" people who touched my life.
I love Susan and feel grateful for our early friendship with Bryant and the children when they lived in the Oakland Ward. Susan was an inspiration in so many ways: her kindness, her creativity, her parenting skills, her leadership abilities. Wherever she was, there was beauty, warmth, and friendship. I am sorry she left us at such an early age and under such difficult circumstances. I send love to all of you outstanding children, and to Bryant. What a blessing she was to your family and to all who were fortunate to know her. Though I didn't see the family in later years, Susan will always be one of the "special" people who touched my life.
I have known Susan for nearly 20 years. She is one of the kindest and most caring people that I have ever known. She had a smile and kind word for me every time I came in contact with her. She was genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of others. I know that she spent countless hours lifting up others who had experienced tragedy and hardship. She truly made the world a better place. It is wonderful to read about her life and her many great accomplishments. She was and is a truly special person!
Dear Bryant and family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. As your life partner passes, cherishing so many beautiful memories will overcome your broken hearts and sadness. We all believe in a higher being and a better place. May God bless and keep Susan close in His loving embrace.
Elyse and David Barca
🥰🥰🥰💕💕😭😭😭😭😭 Lov U much lovbev 🥰🥰 missed U🥰😭Susan
My deepest condolences to the McOmber's family in the passing of Susan. Every chance that I got to attend Church, Susan's warm and kind spirit (always with a smile on her face), was always welcoming. One time I had the opportunity to volunteer and feed the community alongside with Susan. That was my first interaction/my first conversation with Susan, and it was special, because we got to know each other a little more and work together. Rest in Love Susan. Love and prayers to her family and friends.
Dear McOmber Family,,
We are very sad to hear of Susan’s passing.
We knew her as a wonderful person, a super, talented mom and devoted to her
Church. Our condolences to all of you. You are in our thoughts.
Fondly,
Leilani and Peter Eng
Dear Bryant and Erin,
As we look at Susan’s beautiful pictures over the years and read the tender tributes and condolences we feel blessed for the occasions we were in her presence. One theme of her beauty and character was her consistent friendly caring. We recall with admiration and sadness a conversation several years ago when she shared her struggle with her memory and likely upcoming decline. She spoke frankly and warmly I thought, openly and candidly as to a lifelong friend. She had the gift, regardless of circumstances, to leave one, remembering and valuing the moments of conversation and anticipating the next conversation. Our thoughts are about her faithfulness, her love of her family, and the moments of grace and friendship she offered. Your enduring with nobility the burden and tender mercies of recent years has given us an example of strength under duress that will be a rock of reassurance to us in the years ahead.