Susan Chance
Jan. 15, 1943-June 25, 2025
Portola Valley, CA
Submitted by Jonathan Chance

Susan "Sue" Chance, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2025, following a stroke.

She was born Susan Halsey in Davenham, Cheshire, United Kingdom. When Sue was only 13-years old, her mother tragically died. This left her responsible for assisting her father to help manage the family, which included her 8-year old brother and her older brother's baby.

She excelled academically, passing the 11 Plus to graduate from secondary school. She attended Banking College in Oxford and began working in finance at Westminster Bank. With a strong sense of adventure, she moved to the United States to be a nanny for the family of the director of SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center). Falling in love with California, she decided to stay, later employed in finance and human resources at Varian and Control Data.

In 1966, Sue met Doug Chance, a young engineer at Hewlett-Packard. They married in 1968 at Stanford Chapel. Their first son, Jonathan, was born in 1971, and the family soon relocated to Santa Rosa, where Doug helped launch HP's new facility. There, Sue became active in local causes and proudly earned her U.S. citizenship. Their second son, Andrew, was born in 1973.

In 1977, the family moved to Portola Valley. Sue became an engaged member of the community, serving as secretary and treasurer of the PTA and joining the Peninsula Children's Council. She was also an early investor in Silicon Valley real estate, managing several rental properties.

At the encouragement of Lucile Packard, Sue often accompanied Doug on global business trips for HP, meeting with spouses of leadership teams to gain insight and valuable perspectives. She hosted many international visitors at her home.

Athletic and energetic, Sue played on the A-team at Ladera Oaks Tennis Club and was an avid member of the 18-hole women's golf group at Sharon Heights Country Club. Sue had two holes in one! She loved skiing at the family's Tahoe home, and going on sailing trips all over the world with family and friends aboard their yacht, the Cheshire Lady. She was also a great painter.

Sue will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, strength, and elegant yet grounded demeanor. She delighted those around her with kindness, wit, British stories, and cherished traditions.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Douglas Chance; sons, Jonathan and Andrew; daughters-in-law, Janelle and Michelle; and her grandchildren: Trevor, Wyatt, Lydia, Hiro, and Yuki. She also leaves behind her brothers, Colin and Peter Halsey, and many nieces and nephews.