Susie Ilsley

909-921-8272

I attended Whitworth College (now University) as a Nursing Major. Due to a severe car accident, I returned to Claremont to recuperate, then entered into the School of Radiologic Technology at Pomona Valley Hospital. I moved to Hawaii after graduating. Married first husband, Dan Bicker, in 1976. He was from CHS, Class of '71, had four children. Dan passed away in 2008, I married Charles Jahant, Class of '71. I spent 2007-2010 in Claremont, primarily taking care of my Dad, John Ilsley, until his passing. Then moved back to Colorado. After re-evaluating living in Colorado, I moved back to Claremont the fall of 2011! I work at Mt. San Antonio Gardens as Medical Transportation Coordinator. I am so very happy to be back!!! I LOVE being around family and friends. I particularly enjoyed my involvement in the Claremont Rotary Club (Noon Club). I used to be an avid tennis player. (shall I say "addicted" tennis player?) I also really enjoy making beaded jewerly.

My older brothers went to Claremont High School: Peter Ilsley, Class of 1966, Jay Ilsley, Class of 1968, Paul Ilsley, Class of 1969 and younger sister, Sara, Class of 1973. My Father, John Ilsley, was raised in Claremont and was a doctor there for 55 years. My Grandfather, Morrill Ilsley, was the first doctor for the Claremont Colleges. My Aunt, Barbara Hager went to Claremont High School, class of 1938, my Uncle, Harold Hager, was in the class of 1934.

I wanted so badly to be on the cheerleading squad. Back in "the day" there were no cheerleaders at El Roble, no "prep classes" of any kind. So going into the 9th grade was our first exposure to it. I attended every practise with enthusiasm and gusto, well, when it came down to the actual tryouts, in front of some selected students and judges, it was our "team's" time to try out, I TOTALLY forgot our routine! So I just did cartwheels around the area! And I couldn't even do them well! Needless to say, I didn't make the cut!
Another great story: I was running for ASB Secretary. My brother, Paul, was my Campaign Manager. He wouldn't allow me to take note cards up to the front for my speech. He wanted it it be memorized. When I got to the podium with the mic, I started out... "Hi, my name is Susie Ilsley.....(I started again..."Hi, my name is Susie Ilsley...") then I realized I had forgotten my entire speech! I ad-libed the entire thing! (much to my brother's shagrin) After it was over, I inadvetently turned off the mic for Katie Libershal's perfect, eloquent speech, but no one could hear her! I won the seat as the Secretary of the ASB under Bobbie Hunter, President! I think I have felt guilty ever since!

I was very involved with the Musicals. So I would have to say Sam Thompson was such an influence. I was in several plays: My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, I played Louisa, one of the Von Trapp children, during summer, we did Oliver, Bells Are Ringing, Bye-Bye Birdie. (I played Ursela Merkle, Kim's best friend). There were too many to mention.