July 29, 1941 - May 15, 2010

MONTEREY - After a six week illness, Suzanne Bloom passed away at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula at the age of 68.

Although these past couple of months were not what Suzanne was planning for herself, she spent them with the grace and dignity that embodied who she was her entire life. Suzanne began life in San Bernardino, CA, the first of three daughters of the late Byron and Kathleen Johnson. She graduated from Claremont High School in 1959, then went on to San Jose State University for an additional two years. After leaving school she was employed as a commercial real estate leasing and sales agent, a profession she continued for 40 years. After her marriage to Marshall Bloom in 1974, she relocated to the Monterey Peninsula where she resided until her death.

Her working career in Monterey was with John Mahoney and Associates, with whom she was aligned for 35 years. She actually retired a few years ago, but after two years returned to Mahoney, primarily because she loved what she did, and the people she worked with.

Suzanne's love and devotion to family and friends knew no bounds. Marshall, her husband of 36 years, a daughter, Angela, son-in-law, Jeff, two beautiful grandchildren, Lauren and Alexander, two sisters, Julie Groome and Laurie Hartman, nephews, Connor Hartman and Robbie Redner, and of course Bogie and Boomer, her very special feline friends, represented the center of her universe. She was a marvelous cook, and could shop with the best of them, especially when shopping for someone else. She maintained a nearly 50 year relationship with girlfriends with whom she grew up and continually befriended people around her of all ages.

One of Suzanne's great passions was traveling, and said on many occasions, that having been given the opportunity to see as much of the world as she has, was a major highlight and gift these last few years. She had a passion for Africa, which she visited twice, in addition to locations too numerous to mention; China, Russia, South America, most of Europe and a few days near the Arctic Circle in Northern Canada in the company of polar bears, were the places she enjoyed. She loved visiting New York City during the Christmas season, as well as periodic visits to Lake Tahoe to satisfy an occasional "blackjack itch." Playing social bridge with close friends was also high on her list of favorite things.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at Quail Meadows, Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that charitable donations be made in her name to Community Hospital, The SPCA or Planned Parenthood.