Susana Saldivar's Obituary
**In Loving Memory of
Susana Silvia Saldivar
December 23, 1969 – July 10, 2026**
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Susana Silvia Saldivar, who passed away peacefully at her home in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 10, 2026, after a courageous year-long battle with breast cancer.
Susana was born on December 23, 1969, in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up in Bettendorf before moving to Ohio as a young adult. At 19, her life changed forever when she became a quadriplegic. Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, Susana met every challenge with determination, intelligence, and an unbreakable spirit. At the age of 45, she proudly earned her Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts—a testament to her perseverance and love of learning. Later, she made Hawaii her forever home, where she created countless cherished memories with her family.
Above all, Susana's greatest love was her family. She was an incredibly devoted mother whose strength, wisdom, and fierce love shaped the lives of her children. She found joy in books and in sharing her love of reading with those around her. She embraced life with a positive outlook and an adventurous spirit. She never viewed her wheelchair as a limitation but as a way to continue living life on her own terms. Her quick wit, sharp mind, resilience, and ability to inspire others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She is now reunited with her beloved parents, Silvia Medina Saldivar and Victor Lawrence Saldivar.
She leaves behind her loving children, Silvia Gonzalez, Emilia Gonzalez, Porfirio Gonzalez, Victoria and Adam Wood; her treasured granddaughter, Oceana Wood; her siblings Tom Saldivar, David Saldivar (Christine), Julie Penrose, and Scott Saldivar; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Funeral services are pending and will be announced when arrangements have been completed.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
What’s your fondest memory of Susana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Susana?
Share a story where Susana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Susana you’ll never forget.
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