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East County News Service.Jan. 17, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Spring Valley resident Suzanne “Suzie” Chambers passed away surrounded by family members at her home on Jan. 2 at age 78, after a five-year battle with cancer.
Born Aug. 25, 1947 in Seattle, Wash., Chambers moved to San Diego in the 1970s with her first husband, Jim Garcia. She attended San Diego State University, then went on to build a life rooted in service, leadership and community.
She began her career with the Otay Water District in 1976 and later became the district’s first female executive and chief financial officer, retiring in 2000.
In 2013, Chambers and her daughters opened a Dream Dinners franchise in La Mesa, which they operated until 2025.
Her dedication to the community including volunteering at the Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego, serving as a founding board member of the Rancho San Diego Friends of the Library and participating in the Over the Hill Gang Car Club. Her efforts helped build strong foundations for these organizations, enabling them to thrive.
The Water Conservation Garden's leadership sent an email about the loss that shared the following:
"As CFO of the Otay Water District, Suzanne was an integral part of the Garden from its earliest conception. She helped guide critical funding, budgeting, permits, regulatory approvals and coordination with local agencies — ensuring the Garden was built on a strong and sustainable foundation. Her steady hand, financial expertise, and commitment to community service helped turn an idea into a lasting public space.
"Shortly after the Garden opened, Suzie retired and returned in a new role — this time as a docent and later as treasurer, generously giving her time and knowledge to support the Garden she helped bring to life. Some of her happiest hours were spent walking the paths with her grandsons, Nathan and Nicholas, sharing her love of nature, learning and stewardship. Those moments were among the greatest joys of her life.
"Suzanne’s kindness, bravery and devotion to service will continue to live on in the Garden she helped create and nurture. She will be deeply missed and always remembered."
She is survived by her husband Bob Chambers; her daughters Marsi and Charlotte, her grandsons Nathan and Nicholas Haney, and her sisters Terri, Kim and Lynn.
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