Susan Louise Browning Maier was born October 4, 1967 to Jess and Vicki Browning and joined her three older sisters – Carrie, Alexa and Nanci. She lived her entire childhood in Palos Verdes Estates, California, and she would always consider herself a California girl. As the baby of the family, she was nicknamed “Precious,” and the rest of the family doted on and adored her.

As a little girl Susan loved playing house with her dolls and stuffed animals. She and Nanci made a fort under the stairs in their house, and they would play with their Barbies for hours on end. Susan started kindergarten at age four and soon had a reputation as a “class clown.” Her favorite subjects were recess and making friends. She excelled at both.

In college she studied child development at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.  She was happy to put her knowledge in practice later when she was a teacher’s aide in Life Skills classes at Hanford High.  Susan’s compassion towards others was one her most striking attributes.

In 1990 Susan met and married the love of her life and her soulmate, Bob Maier. They settled in Kent, Washington, and in 1991 they were joined by their son, Rob.  Susan loved being a mom!

They moved to Issaquah in 1992 and Susan worked part time as a barista. After a year in Issaquah they moved to Kennewick, and in 1994 they bought their house in West Richland. Shortly after they welcomed son Mike into their family.

With their family complete and a home to fix up, Susan thrived. She sold Longaberger Baskets for a few years, but her favorite “job” was being a mom to Rob and Mike. Susan hosted legendary children’s parties and loved going fishing with all three of her boys.  Working at the high school, horseback riding, taking care of her many animals, and playing tennis, Susan stayed active until her back would no longer cooperate.

After Rob and Mike graduated high school and moved out, Susan and Bob spent more time together – traveling with friends and family, or just as a couple. She loved going wine tasting and continued to love fishing. Spending time with her granddaughters was her favorite thing to do. She showed them her love and great sense of play.

Susan was driven by faith and the love for her family.  She was preceded in death by her dear father, Jess Browning. She is survived by her cherished Mom, Vicki; devoted husband of 30 years, Bob; loving sons and daughters-in-law, Rob and Chelsea, and Mike and Katie; adoring sisters Carrie, Alexa and Nanci; three beautiful granddaughters Allie, Leni and Penny; a big extended family; and countless friends. While her surviving family will forever miss Susan, we know she is with her dad in Heaven and is smiling down on us.