Suzanne Noelle Spear

Suzanne Noelle Spear (née Vatcher) passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026. She was born on December 30, 1964, in Newport Beach, California, to Barbara Green and Bob Vatcher. Suzy was one of five siblings raised on Canary Drive in Costa Mesa, where she built lifelong friendships and memories that remained close to her heart. She attended Christ Lutheran School and went on to become a standout athlete, competing in three sports throughout her school years.

Suzy attended Concordia University Irvine, where she played softball, volleyball, and basketball. Her athletic talent and competitive spirit eventually earned her a place on the USA softball team, allowing her to travel internationally to Thailand, China, and Japan to compete.

On October 3, 1987 — “the hottest recorded day in Costa Mesa,” as she lovingly liked to remind everyone — Suzy married her high school sweetheart, Brendan Spear, at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa, California. Surrounded by family and friends, they began a marriage rooted in love, faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion that lasted more than 38 years. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Alisha and Janelle, who were the center of Suzy’s world. Being a mother was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into loving and supporting her girls every day.

Suzy dedicated much of her life to helping others. She worked as a softball coach and as a job trainer in special education at Centennial High School, where she positively impacted countless students and athletes with her patience, encouragement, and kindness.

She was happiest when surrounded by people she loved — often in the kitchen cooking enough food to feed an army. From her famous peanut butter balls to her elk taquitos, her meals brought family and friends together and made everyone feel at home. Suzy and Brendan especially loved spending time at their cabin in Cascade, Idaho, where they hiked, hunted, picked huckleberries, and belonged to the West Mountain Supper Club. When not at the cabin they enjoyed bike rides along the Greenbelt as that was always a staple family hobby.

Suzy also had a deep love for the written word. She was a published author, an avid reader, and someone who never missed an opportunity to write thoughtful notes and letters to family and friends. Her words carried warmth, encouragement, and love — much like the way she lived her life.

A devoted Christian, Suzy walked faithfully and lived with a generous and forgiving heart. She consistently put others before herself and showed compassion to everyone she met. Her strength, grace, and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Suzy was preceded in death by her brother, Bobbie Vatcher; her mother, Barbara Green; and her father, Bob Vatcher.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Brendan Spear; her daughters, Alisha Gollihar and Janelle Wibstad; her sons-in-law, Troy Gollihar and Tyler Wibstad; and her cherished grandchildren, Sadie, Daxten, Langley, and Atlas; her siblings, Linda, Karen, and Steve.

Her beautiful life and loving spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.