Susan Dora Nihen

Susan Dora Nihen, a resident of Yreka since 1993, passed away peacefully at the Madrone Hospice House on December 9, 2022 following a short illness. Susan was born in San Mateo, California on May 13, 1942, the daughter of Gustav Moeller Jr. and Marion Ilse Moeller. The family made their home in Redwood City, California. Susan graduated from Sequoia High School in 1960. After graduation she attended the College of San Mateo. Following college, Susan worked as a secretary at various companies around the San Francisco bay area. While working for Applied Technology in Sunnyvale, Susan met her future husband, soul mate and love of her life, John Nihen. They were married in 1983. She often remarked that she was so lucky to have been married to John for 34 years. John predeceased Susan in 2017. Following retirement in 1993, Susan and John moved to Yreka to enjoy the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of Siskiyou County. Together they took many trips all over the United States and Canada. They enjoyed entertaining and cooking for friends and family in their home. Susan also looked forward to annual girl-only vacations with her friends of many years Pat, Mickey and Barbara. Susan was a very gifted watercolor artist. Her pieces won many blue ribbons and best of show wherever she exhibited. Siskiyou County was the inspiration for many of her pieces. Scott Valley, Shasta Valley, area churches, and the Klamath River were just a few of her many subjects. For years she donated her paintings to the Madrone Hospice annual art auction. She was a past member of the Siskiyou Artists Association. Not long after John passed away, Susan decided to move into Siskiyou Springs Assisted Living. She enjoyed the activities offered and the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. She looked forward to morning coffee in the courtyard with her friend, Ray. She even took on the job of resident representative, which involved communicating residents' concerns to management. Susan will be remembered as a loving wife, sister and friend. She was kind and caring to all and is greatly missed. She is survived by her sisters Gretchen Lagana of Chicago, Illinois and Margus Moeller of Boulder Creek, California, and a cousin, Wendy Alton of Chico. Memorial contributions can be made in Susan's name to Madrone Hospice Inc., 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097.

Susan Dora Nihen

May 13, 1942 - December 9, 2022