In March of 2022, Susanna was hospitalized with extreme and unexplainable stomach discomfort. During her hospital stay, the doctors found evidence of what they believed was ovarian cancer. After several weeks of additional tests, they confirmed she indeed had cancer. However, the final biopsy revealed that it was not ovarian cancer but stomach cancer stage 4 and had spread throughout her body. Her first round of compounded chemotherapy treatment was administered shortly after her diagnosis.
After her second cycle of chemotherapy, her tumors were reduced by 25%, and her doctors were very encouraged by her progress in targeting cancer.
Her journey cannot be summed up in clear and concise paragraphs; there were many unknowns, both wins and complexities, that she had to navigate. However, her biggest encourager was her husband beside her daily, whether in the hospital or their home.
Her faith in God, and healing from cancer, only grew stronger as her symptoms worsened. Susanna found great comfort in prayer and listening to worship music. A beautiful representation of her spirit was an encouraging one that pointed to God, the provider of her strength.
The song “В моей душе живет Иисус (Jesus lives in my soul)” by Pavel Pislari conveys this overall theme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbCpUdNQdRM
On August 25, 2022, Susanna passed into the arms of her Comforter, Jesus. Her family surrounded her during her last moments on Earth. She was 39 years old.
Susanna is survived by her husband, Val Stepanchuk, their son Jonathan (5), her stepson Ethan (15) and her two adult children, Albert (19) and Diana (21).
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 7 pm.
Missionary Gospel Church:
4148 San Juan Ave.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Recorded Memorial Service Link:
The Burial Service will be held on Thursday at 12:30 pm.
Sylvan Cemetery:
7401 Auburn Blvd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
