Susanna Barela of Brighton, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at the age of 63 at the Collier Hospice Center in Wheatridge, Colorado.

She was the beloved daughter of Gerard and Elisabeth Lienhard who both predeceased her. She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel; her two daughters BobbiSue and Brooke; and her five sisters and two brothers all of whom reside in Switzerland.

Susanna was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2025. She faced her illness with remarkable grace, courage, and dignity, spending the last eight months bravely battling this relentless disease. She underwent traditional treatments including chemotherapy and radiation, later followed by immunotherapy. Despite every effort, complications from her illness continued their inexorable course. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Platte Valley Hospital and the Collier Hospice Center for their professionalism, compassionate care, and kindness.

Susanna was born and raised in the farming region of Switzerland. She attended school there before continuing on to vocational school where she graduated as a pastry chef and cook. She first visited the United States in the early 1980s and returned again in the 1990s where she met Daniel. They got married on September 5, 1998. Soon afterward, they welcomed into the world their two beautiful daughters, BobbiSue in August of 1999 and Brooke in May of 2001, who became the greatest joy and most important part of their lives.

Susanna worked for many years as a cook before later entering the medical field as a CNA. Her patients cherished and loved her, and her compassion, empathy, and genuine love for people was evident in every life she touched. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed traveling, gardening, and caring for plants. She was blessed with a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly. A woman of deep faith, Susanna was actively involved in her church and faithfully led weekly meetings with the women at the city jail, sharing the word of God, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, her savior.

The funeral service will be held at 10 am at Zion congregational Church, officiated by Reverend Dick Durston.