Obituary of Susan Anne Gilligan

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Susan Anne Gilligan, who passed peacefully at home with her husband by her side on April 4th, 2023. Susie, age 55, will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 30 years, Shaun Gilligan; children: Jordyn (27), Morgan (24) and Katie (34), whom she raised as her own since age 2; grandchildren: Ryan (10) and Holden (3); sisters: Janie and Katie; brothers: Tim, Pat and Michael; late brother: John; as well as numerous relatives and closest friends.

Born in Cleveland, OH, on January 14th, 1968, Susie was the daughter of the late Jane Coughlin and John (“Jack”) Foley. The Foley Family moved to Santa Barbara when Susie was 4 where she would later attend Bishop High and get a job as a waitress at Little Alex’s of Montecito. It was here where her husband, Shaun, stumbled in one day to later find out that his life would never be the same.

After starting as a front desk attendant, she gradually worked her way up to Reservations and then Accounting at the Four Seasons Hotel. Along the way, she formed a close-knit bond with each department, essentially building a family everywhere she went. This kind of stride would become a recurring theme in Susie’s life as she treasured every relationship she made. She ended her work career at the Carpinteria T-Shirt Shop where she cherished getting to work alongside a close friend and building connections within the Carp community she loved so much.

January 14th, 2014 marked the beginning of what would become a long and painful fight against cancer, a fight that would last nearly 10 years; a fight Susie refused to be defeated by and fought with unwavering courage, unyielding spirit and incredible determination. Through it all, she loved hard and wore her emotions on her sleeve. The family would like to thank every one of her doctors throughout the years, especially her nurses who spent her final days by her side and kept her spirit high. She is peacefully at rest, free from pain, with her mom and dad, along with many more of her loved ones.

Her friends and community will remember her laugh and the way she loved making them laugh. They will also remember her for how much she loved the simple pleasures in life. Whether it was taking a walk on the beach, going to a matinee movie, cruising around Carp, listening to live music, playing solitaire, getting her nails and hair done or reading romance or a cheesy rom-com on a Sunday afternoon, Susie loved being with her people and indulging in all life’s little joys.

Her husband and children will remember her as a source of strength, a tenacious fighter against every odd life decided to throw her way, an energetic spirit, a confidant and a true warrior. They will miss the sound of her voice, including the times she voiced her opinions - We all know Susie had some strong opinions... Despite the decade- long fight she faced, she always remained a pillar of love and support for her family and they will hold close to their hearts the countless happy moments they shared and find peace in knowing they were the center of her world. Above all else, Susie loved her husband, children and family with her whole heart, mind and soul and loved her friends, community and neighbors in the same way.

A Celebration of Susie’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 15th from 3- 7PM at the day-use picnic benches under the awnings along the boardwalk.

In lieu of flowers, if you’d like to donate or contribute to memorial costs, please call or text Susie’s niece, Ciara, at 805-607-9858. The family greatly appreciates all the help, love and kind words they’ve received through all of this.