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Susanne Ball, a fiercely passionate and loving artist, died at home in Kailua on December 4, with her mother and sister holding her hand. She was 57. She fought for 10 years against Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer. She refused to believe her cancer was incurable and moved mountains to survive. Ever-cheerful despite immense pain, she was a source of inspiration and joy to her friends, her family, and her community. She was a testament to choosing happiness. She embodied authenticity and chased her dreams with tenacity. She was like her artwork - bright, vibrant, bold, colorful, and all about nature. She celebrated life with every breath and brushstroke. Susanne grew up on a farm in Colorado; painting, skiing, and interacting with animals - her lifelong passions. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz and began her career painting wildlife on ceramics in Bellingham, Washington. Her love for painting on canvas was born painting in a tulip field - she prayed to God to show her she was on the right path, and someone came up to her and bought the painting on the spot. She moved with her son to O'ahu in 2002, to paint in Hawaii and remained there until 2019 when she traveled to pursue treatment and receive care from her family in Oregon.
She had a child's spirit - when she wasn't painting, she was playing. She was a fierce competitor with all racquet sports, and especially loved Settlers of Catan. Susanne worked to make her dreams a reality. She loved to travel and capture the beauty of the world on canvas.
Susanne's vibrant legacy lives on in our memories and in her artwork. She was a committed, engaged and doting mother to her son, Johann. She is survived by her son Johann and daughter-in-law Jamaica; her mother Birgit and her sister Barbara.
Artwork spanning her career will be displayed in her honor at Kalapawai Cafe in Kailua from June 24, to July 3, 2022. Private services will be held on her birthday, followed by a sunrise paddle-out in Lanikai on June 25th. Those who knew her are welcome to join.
