Susan Close

Susan Constance Close

April 9, 1948 – December 31, 2025

Susan Close, age 77, of Vancouver, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Peace Arch Hospital.

Susan was the beloved wife of Stephen Close and a talented interior designer whose work brought beauty, comfort, and warmth into many homes and spaces across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. She was known for her timeless sense of style, her careful attention to detail, and her gift for creating rooms that truly felt like home—spaces that reflected the people who lived in them.

Born on April 9, 1948, in Vancouver, B.C., Susan was raised in the city she loved. From an early age, she was drawn to art, architecture, and design, interests that would shape both her life and her career. She studied interior design at Bassist College in Portland, Oregon, and went on to build a fulfilling career that spanned more than 45 years.

Through her firm, Susan Close and Associates, Susan became known for her bright, natural, West Coast style. She worked on family homes throughout the Lower Mainland, Palm Springs, and Korea, as well as restaurants in Vancouver and boutique office spaces. Clients appreciated not only her beautiful designs, but her kindness, patience, and ability to listen—always finding ways to blend their ideas into a space that felt uniquely theirs.

Outside of her work, Susan was a warm, generous, and deeply creative person. She loved walking the seawall with her dogs, visiting art galleries, traveling with Stephen, and welcoming friends and family into her home. She took great joy in setting a beautiful table and sharing good food, conversation, and laughter with those she loved.

Susan is lovingly remembered by her husband, Stephen Close; her cousin, Jim Donaldson and Jim’s family. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, clients, colleagues, and the many young designers she encouraged and inspired along the way.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at 3011 Bowen Drive, Richmond, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the BC SPCA, the Canadian Cancer Society, or in support of a local artist—continuing Susan’s love of beauty and creativity in the community.