

Born in Glendale, California on February 14, 1946, Susan Allison was a legendary woman—strong, compassionate, creative, and deeply loving—whose life was defined by service, resilience, faith, and joy. She passed away January 2, 2026 surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Susan dedicated 32 years of her life to the Los Angeles Police Department, beginning her career at a time when being a “policewoman” meant wearing a skirt, pantyhose, and heels—even while chasing suspects. She served with distinction across numerous departments, including Bunco Forgery, D.A.R.E., Vice, the Abused Child Unit, and finishing her career with the LAPD Valley Bureau, retiring in 1999. Her courage, intelligence, and determination earned her deep respect, and she truly paved the way for women in law enforcement.
After retiring from the LAPD, Susan continued her adventurous spirit by working in private security for reality television productions such as The Bachelorette, Murder in Small Town X, and The Swan. These roles allowed her to travel, meet fascinating people, and embrace new experiences—something she loved throughout her life.
Susan was also deeply committed to healing and personal growth. She became a hypnotherapist and massage rake practitioner, inspired in part by her own experience using hypnosis to overcome fainting at the sight of blood during her early police career. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of the mind and compassion.
Never one to sit still, Susan enjoyed working simply for fun—whether at Nordstrom or Macy’s “just for the discount,” or as a salon receptionist because she loved being in a social, lively environment surrounded by people.
In the last decade of her life, Susan’s favorite and most cherished role was being “Nana.” Her two granddaughters were everything to her, the light of her life, and her greatest joy. She poured her heart into them with unconditional love, creativity, and presence.
Susan was endlessly talented. She loved painting and spent the past few years painting regularly with a close-knit group of friends, many of whom also gathered at her home to create together. She loved cooking and proudly honed her skills through Chef Todd’s classes, delighting in exploring different cuisines. Her kitchen was famous for Nana’s banana bread, epic cheesecake, egg rolls, chicken divan, baked mostaccioli, meatballs, spinach dip and so many more delicacies. Friends of hers and her daughters flocked to her home knowing they would always be fed, welcomed, and loved.
A gifted singer, Susan sang and was extremely proud to be a member of the Agoura Hills Harmony Chorus. This group of spirited women are an a Capella chorus who perform barbershop harmony all across Southern California. This group truly became a family to her and they had so much fun together bringing joy and the most beautiful music to so many people in their performances.
Susan loved gardening, especially succulents—her beloved “hugs in a mug” or pumpkin decorations—and took pride in planting produce in her backyard. She adored her home in Simi Valley, watching it be built from the ground up. Perched on a hillside, it became her safe haven, a place of peace, beauty, and gathering.
Her home was always full—of laughter, music, food, and people. She hosted legendary parties, holidays and birthday celebrations over the years. Neighbors and friends became family, and Susan opened her heart and home to many over the years.
Susan faced cancer with extraordinary grace and strength. She wore a crown that read “Fighter” to every treatment, decorated her cane with bling, and spoke to everyone she met—forming deep bonds with fellow patients. On her final treatment day, she gave crowns to the nurses who had cared for her, leaving behind love and gratitude wherever she went.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She attended many churches over the years but found her spiritual home at Shepherd Church in Simi Valley, where she attended in person and watched online faithfully every week. Pastor Caleb held a special place in her heart.
Susan Allison lived boldly, loved fiercely, and gave endlessly. She was a protector, a nurturer, an artist, a singer, a friend, a mother, and the very best Nana. Her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched, the meals she shared, the songs she sang, and the love she gave so freely.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Susan is survived by her daughter Cristina, son-in-law Matthew and her two granddaughters Harper and Peyton.
Memorial services for Susan will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Shepherd of the Hills Church,
2350 Shasta Way, Unit C
Simi Valley, CA 93065
A reception will follow at Susan’s home.
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