Obituary of Susannah Archer Werner, 74
Susannah Archer Werner.
Obituary for Susannah Archer Werner
Sept. 27, 1951 – Dec. 17, 2025
– Susannah Archer Werner, 74, passed away on December 17, 2025, in Paso Robles, California. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and caregiver whose warmth, wit, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Susannah was born on September 27, 1951, in Launceston, Tasmania, to Elsa Cox and Ludlow Archer. She grew up on a dairy farm alongside her siblings Nick, Penny, and Josephine, and carried her Australian roots with pride throughout her life. She attended a private Girls School where she obtained a great education and made lifelong friends.
She met the love of her life, Richard “Larry” Werner, while backpacking through Europe in 1973 at a youth hostel, a chance meeting that began a lifelong adventure together. They married in 1975 and went on to build a beautiful life, celebrating 50 years of marriage and 52 years together. Their partnership was one of deep devotion, and they loved traveling, going on cruises, and exploring the world.
Susannah was the proud mother of Nicholas Werner, married to Rachel Kroft, and Lydia Gong (Werner), married to Brian Gong. She was an adoring grandmother to Nicholas “Nico” Chaney, Bailey Gong, Amaya Gong, and Ayla Werner, whom she cherished beyond measure. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she delighted in every moment spent baking, crafting, traveling, and simply being present with them.
Originally trained as a pediatric nurse, Susannah studied Mothercraft Care nursing in Tasmania, a foundation that reflected her lifelong calling to nurture and care for others. She gave generously of her time through numerous volunteer roles, including long-standing involvement with the philanthropic sorority Beta Sigma Phi, serving in PTA and classrooms, and weekly volunteering at Pregnancy and Parenting Support, her daughter’s nonprofit. There, she became a familiar and comforting presence, greeting families at the door, welcoming them in, and making everyone feel seen and safe.
Susannah was vibrant, warm, clever, funny, and deeply thoughtful. She was well-read, endlessly curious, and could strike up a conversation with anyone, quickly turning strangers into friends. Many will remember her gentle greeting of “hello darling,” delivered in her unmistakable accent, as well as her beloved shortbread and gingermeg cookies, which were expressions of her love.
She found joy in quilting, cups of tea, reading, gardening, hosting friends, and traveling widely, including throughout Europe, South America, and Australia. Board’s Crossing Camp held a special place in her heart, as did caring for others, especially elderly friends who benefited from her kindness and attentiveness.
Above all, Susannah was a devoted mother, grandmother, and teacher. She traveled anywhere in the world to be with her children, was present for the births of Nico and Amaya, and taught her children not only how to parent, but how to show up for others with compassion and grace.
Susannah’s legacy lives on in the family she loved fiercely, the countless lives she touched, and the warmth she brought into every room. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of Susannah’s life will be held in late March. Those who wish to attend are invited to reach out for details and to RSVP.
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