Donaldson, Robert S.

With heartfelt sadness and a profound sense of loss, Rossi, Hamerslough, Reischl & Chuck regrets to announce the passing of our dear friend and partner, Susan Reischl.

Susan began working with RHRC in 1989, was named a partner shortly thereafter, and enjoyed a successful legal career spanning 32 years in which she was respected and admired by clients, colleagues, co-workers, and the legal community. Susan's dedication to her clients, as well as her commitment to and expectation of excellence, set the standard for performance by attorneys and staff alike. Susan's exceptional research skills, incisive and cogent legal writing, and appellate expertise made her an invaluable and irreplaceable member of the RHRC team, leading to many notable legal triumphs. She practiced a personal work ethic of superior professionalism and loyalty that demanded attention to detail, enthusiasm for the law, and personal investment in providing the best service and legal product to her clients.

Susan loved her work and those with whom she worked. She made a point of spending time with others, often offering wise counsel, and enjoyed the companionship, friendship, and camaraderie of her "work family," which is how she viewed her coworkers in the office. Susan's determination and drive never failed her: she showed up to the office in the midst of serious health issues, teaching us all how to meet challenges with grace and dignity, how to cope with obstacles with the help of a sense of humor, and how to reach out to others with unselfish generosity. Her professionalism was complimented by her quiet devotion to many charitable organizations, her infectious laugh, her honesty, and her weaknesses for Lay's Potato Chips and jelly beans.

We miss our friend and partner greatly, but the legacy of her spirit, dignity, and commitment to excellence will continue at RHRC.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Susan in some way are welcome to donate to one of the following charities, all of which were important to Susan:

• Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department (to be used for the creation, maintenance or preservation of bicycle trails in the County of Santa Clara);
• The Humane Society of Silicon Valley;
• Community Breast Health Project located in Palo Alto, California; and
• Sally and Don Lucas Artists in Residency Program at Montalvo in Saratoga