Susan Margaret O'Brien, MD, 70, of Tulsa passed away early March 11th, 2024. Susan was born to Marian Elizabeth and Paul "Henry" O'Brien on April 24th, 1953 in Savannah, GA, where her father was stationed with the Air Force. Susan grew up in Tulsa, OK along with her three siblings, Kevin, Steven, and Marian O'Brien (now Smock).

Upon graduating from Bishop Kelly High School in 1971, Susan attended Oklahoma State University to study biological science. In her junior year, Susan applied for and was accepted to the University of Oklahoma Medical School. She graduated in 1978 as 1 of 15 women in her program.

After a brief stint in Longmont, CO, Susan accepted a position in a residency program at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ in 1980. There she met her future husband, Doyle Sanders, while participating in a bike club event at the Mogollon Rim. Doyle was a photojournalist covering the event for the Arizona Republic. SHE asked HIM to dinner, and the rest was history! Susan and Doyle were married in 1983 and, along with Doyle's two boys Patrick and Jarrod, they welcomed two children, Megan Elizabeth (1986) and Paul Samuel (1989) into their family.

In November of 1989, Susan and Doyle moved with Megan and Paul to Tulsa, OK to be closer to family. Susan worked at Springer Clinic until they merged with Saint Francis Warren Clinic, where she worked until her retirement in 2016. Susan was an exemplary pediatrician and was beloved by many of her patients. When she would run into patients outside of work, they were always excited to see her and eager to catch her up on how their parents, children, or siblings were doing. Upon retirement, Susan received many notes from patients thanking her for the care and attention she gave them and their children, particularly those with special needs, whom she advocated for when few others would. She truly cared for her patients and touched the lives of many families, even inspiring some to seek professions in the medical field.

When she wasn't working, Susan was a devoted mother and wife. She often planned activity-filled family vacations that took them all over the United States. She particularly loved spending time outdoors in nature. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.

Susan is survived by her children Megan and Paul Sanders; her step-children Patrick (Angie) and Jarrod Sanders; granddaughter Harmony Sanders; brothers Kevin (Colette) and Steven (Patricia) O'Brien, and sister Marian (David) Smock. She is preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Sanders, and her parents. No services are scheduled at this time, but please visit the memorial page at www.moorefuneral.com .