Susan L. Browne passed away 12/26/2020

BROWNE—Susan L. Browne, née Richardson, passed away on Dec. 26, 2020, at the age of 78. She was born in Portland, Ore., to I.E. “Ernie” and Frances R. (Schneider) Richardson. The family moved to Florence, Ore., in 1943, where she lived for more than 47 years.

Susan attended Siuslaw High School and was crowned Queen Rhododendra at the annual Rhododendron Festival in 1959. She graduated with highest honors and attended the University of Oregon, where she was a member of the Theta Delta Chapter of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority.  

As a young wife and mother, Susan was active in civic life and sports in Florence. She was a member of the Florence Ladies of Elks, serving as president in 1969, and a member of Soroptimist International of Florence and Epsilon Sigma Alpha International. She was a volunteer chaperone for the Junior Rhododendron Court in 1968 and volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

She was also an amateur competitive bowler and golfer.

Susan had a lifelong interest in real estate and passion for homes, renovation and interior decorating. After raising her family, Susan studied for her real estate license at the Real Estate School of Oregon and received it in 1980. She received her broker license in 1983.  She was a highly regarded real estate professional for 34 years and worked in Florence and Canby, Ore. She was a member of the Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors, serving as president in 1991, and was a member of the National Association of Realtors. One of the many notable sales during her years in Florence was the sale of the Florence Golf Club in 1989, which became Ocean Dunes Golf Links, and was designed by William G. Robinson.

Thirty-three years after their graduation from high school, Susan married her classmate, first valentine and lifelong friend, Dr. Lee Hazen. They were married in Canby, Ore., in 1993 and later moved to Molalla. Together they renovated and created their beautiful ranch-style home and property, which became the family gathering site for holidays and many other happy occasions. Susan resided there until her death.

Susan is survived by her husband, Orval “Lee” Hazen, DMD (retired) of Bend, Ore.; daughter, Kim L. Knowlen (Patrick) of Eugene, Ore.; stepchildren, Heidi Spencer and Tyrone Hazen, both of Bend, Ore., and Jessica (Browne) Farnsworth of Spanish Fork, Utah; brother, Scott A. Richardson (Pamela) of Happy Valley, Ore.; niece Amber Richardson; and nephews Matthew (Sara), Erik and Sean Richardson. Her parents preceded her in death.

At Susan’s request, a private graveside service and interment were held at Pacific Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Florence.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made to:

Molalla Fire District, Foothills Community Church Resource Center, Siuslaw Outreach Services or Florence Food Share