ISLAND ICON
ISLAND ICON: SUSAN RING KEITH By CAROL PASTOR
S Portrait of Susan Kieth. 1990. Coronado Historical Association Collection.
usan Keith is a name familiar to all who have lived in Coronado for more than a few years. She was a child of the WWII years, born in 1941 at the old Family Hospital at Naval Air Station North Island. She says not many can claim that. She was born into a Navy family whose careers now span generations. Like so many other navy children, she attended many schools, some in Coronado, others in Washington, D.C. She remembers her early years at Miss Bunny’s preschool in Coronado.
Susan holds a silver platter for a Coronado event. 1966. Coronado Historical Association Collection
Susan grew up with two brothers, both of whom joined the Navy. After completing two years of college, she returned to Coronado to manage the family household and help her mother with her invalid father. She ultimately married and had three children of her own, all of whom now live within thirty minutes of Coronado. Those three have now given her nine grandchildren, of whom she is extremely proud. Remarkably, they gather every Sunday with Susan for dinner; adults, children, and dogs alike. Once her children were grown and out of the house, Susan had time to give to her community, Coronado. Susan followed in her mother’s footsteps, dedicating her life to service. Her mother, Eleanor Ring Storrs, was a longtime Coronado resident who served the town in many ways. Her long list of achievements includes being a founding member of the Coronado Historical Association, Coronado Hospital Auxiliary, and the Coronado Playhouse Coronets. She was one of the original members of the Coronado Floral Association and Coronado Fourth of July Committee. To this day, each organization continues to host two of Coronado’s most beloved traditions: the Coronado Flower Show and the Fourth of July Parade. Her dedication to Coronado extended into serving as a City Council member. She also served as President of the Coronado Republican Women’s Club, where she
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