Susie and Norberto Leiss
Susie and Norberto Leiss both hail from Argentina, where they received their education before immigrating to the United States. Though they didn't know each other in Argentina, life’s journey brought them together in the U.S. Norberto arrived in Chicago in 1979, while Susie came eight years later in 1987. Eventually, both found their way to Glendale, where they met at the Glendale Spanish Church. Their shared faith and passion for evangelism brought them closer, leading to a romance that culminated in their wedding in Burbank in 1989. After their wedding, Susie and Norberto settled in Azusa and dedicated themselves to literature evangelism as colporteurs. For nearly three decades, they sold Christian books in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through their work.
In 1990, the Leiss family welcomed their first daughter, Annie, followed by Christina in 1996. Both girls attended Glendale Adventist Academy and they were baptized at the Vallejo Drive Church. They participated in church activities, from helping with various Sabbath School levels to singing in the choir. Their compassionate nature and academic excellence led them to pursue careers in medicine. Annie studied for her MD at River Plate University in Argentina and completed her residency and now works at Kettering Health SDA Hospital in Ohio. She is now ready to begin her medical practice and is expecting her first child in August. Christina, after high school, studied nursing in Puerto Rico, graduated in 2019, and is currently working as a registered nurse at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA.
In 2001, after concluding their literature evangelism ministry, Susie and Norberto transferred their membership to the Vallejo Drive Church. Norberto was invited to serve as the plant manager, overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the church campus. In 2007, when the church established the VDC Endowment by purchasing rental properties, Norberto was tasked with managing these as well. The Leiss family moved into one of the church's properties, known as "The Green House," adjacent to the Chapel parking lot. Norberto dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his role, viewing it as a ministry. He ensured the church campus was always in pristine condition, a mission he pursued diligently until his health declined. Sadly, Norberto passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of over 20 years of dedicated service to the Vallejo Drive Church.
Following Norberto’s passing, Susie took over the management of the Endowment properties. Now, as she anticipates the arrival of her first grandchild, Susie has decided to join Annie and her family in Kettering, Ohio. Today marks her last Sabbath at Vallejo Drive Church. She leaves with a grateful heart, ready to embrace her new role as a grandmother. Susie expressed her sentiments, saying, "At this moment as I am leaving, I am about to begin a new chapter in my life which I accept joyfully and seriously: that of joining my daughter Annie and her husband as they become parents and I become a grandma. You, our friends at Vallejo, have a tender and fond place in our hearts and we will take you with us wherever we are called to go."
Over the past 23 years, God has blessed Vallejo Drive Church with the presence, ministry, service, and love of the Leiss family. While we will certainly miss Susie, we bid her a very fond farewell.
Until we meet again, Susie. May God bless you in your new journey.
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