Susan Strom

Susan Jean (Jensen) Strom, 47, went home to be with her Lord Aug. 9, 2013 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer.

She was known both locally and worldwide for her weather photography, primarily the lightning of the Arizona desert.

Susan was born in Walnut Creek, Calif. and grew up in Fair Oaks, Calif. In the mid-90s, she relocated to Arizona and fell in love with the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and its unique weather.

Her primary passion was for storm chasing, especially photographing lightning during the monsoon season. As she stated, “To me, a primitive thing like a lightning bolt possesses a kind of purity. It is as if there are two realms to the world, man’s various infrastructures, and the vast and timeless world of natural things.”

Susan’s work is published worldwide. She appeared on The Weather Channel, Fox, NBC, ABC affiliates, Belo, Gannett Media newspapers, Cities West and more.

Susan also enjoyed working for many years at Career Education as a vocational counselor and graphic designer.

Susan is survived by parents Paul and Imogene Strom; her sister and brother-in-law Phil and Kathryn Eisenhower; nephew Josiah Paul Eisenhower; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family thanks her many friends and also her co-workers at Career Education who were so supportive during her illness. Special thanks to Dr. Nina Karlin, Lauren Johnson and the staff at Mayo Clinic who provided her with such compassionate care.

Susan held a special place in her heart for her storm-chasing community, and the family extends deep gratitude for their friendship and support.

To access Susan’s photography and her writing, visit her websites lightninglady.com and susanfallwildwoods.blogspot.com.

Charitable donations in Susan’s name can be made to the following:

*Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer Research, 13400 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259.

* Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E. U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ 85173.

* Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013 at 1:30 p.m., Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church, 13001 N. Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills.